Too often we think of ourselves as overly important, as being above certain rules, and that others will overlook our faults because we're just special like that. But this poem helps me remember that others have value, and will remember me for good or ill, depending, largely, on how I treat them. I don't have control over everything in the world, but I do have control over me, and how I treat others. And I can choose to recognize the value of others. Not so much because they'll think well of me, but because, simply, it's the right thing to do.
Have You Earned Your Tomorrow
by Edgar Guest
Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of "Howdy" and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the days that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber do you think that God would say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?
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