How will I fill in my dash?

Today I was reminded that I need to be thankful for everything I have. I found out that someone that I know lost their husband, father and friend. I woke up this morning wondering why God would put so much on my plate? Why the cost of groceries, gas and clothes seem to be taking a toll on my budget? Why when I take my car in for something simple it comes out costing a fortune? Why a routine dental visit means I need to see a specialist? I forgot to be thankful so this is my reminder to you take a minute not to ask for anything but to be thankful for everything you have and ask yourself "How will your Dash be remembered?"

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own,
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

© 1996 Linda Ellis