A Choice
By Edgar Guest
Rather win a brother's smile
Than a stack of dollar notes,
Rather do one thing worth while
Than have all the nation's votes;
Rather tread the simple way
Where the sweet wild roses are
Than to dress in glad array
And be prince or king or czar.
Somehow, when I sum it up,
I would rather be a friend
Than by force snatch victory's cup
And be hated in the end.
I would rather leave behind
Tender gentle thoughts of me
Than have those who follow find
Stains upon my memory.
Rather do the simple things,
Rather play a lowly part
Than to win the praise of kings
And be cold and hard of heart.
I would rather fail to be
Rich or famous on the earth,
Rather dwell in poverty
If my deeds will tell my worth.
Rather feel a brother's hand
Clasped in mine, as friendship's vow
Than in pomp and pride to stand
With a crown upon my brow.
Rather have one find me true
Than have thousands call me great
And despise the things I do,
Turning from me in their hate.
Each day, we all have a choice to be a source of grace and light to others. This poem, by Edgar Guest, hits on this daily choice. He always contrasts a great thing with something more simple and lowly. It almost seems like choosing to be a friend to man comes at the expense of greater things. That could not be further from the truth. Showing simple love for the smallest of situations creates a richness of life more significant than anything you could imagine. Everyone can make a daily impact just by living with Christlike love. As you go out this week, don't take your choice for granted.
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