Life to Live
We were running here, and running there
There was so much to prepare
For our daughter’s wedding day–
Tuxedo rentals, flowers, and cake.
The little country church looked so grand
We decorated until midnight
With magnolia blooms, from many friends,
So rich and creamy-white.
And we thought,
There’s so little time, and so much to give
We won’t waste one minute now, when there’s life left to live
Someone really needs us now,
We’ll give her all our best–
It will be worth it all, see
Later, we’ll have time to rest.
The big day dawned, the sun came out
After a rainy night
But to our dismay, we realized
The magnolias had wilted and died.
I drove through the neighborhood
Praying that I’d find
Someone who would share their blooms
Oh Lord, would they be so kind?
And I thought,
There’s so little time, and so much to give
I won’t waste one minute now, when there’s life left to live
Someone really needs me now,
I’ll give her all my best–
It will be worth it all, see
Later, I’ll have time to rest.
It wasn’t long, I found myself
Knocking at a door
An old man answered, and as I talked
His mouth dropped to the floor.
He said, my wife just passed away
And I was crying out in pain
No one needs an old worn-out man like me
Things will never be the same.
But now I see that,
There’s so little time, and so much I have to give
I won’t waste one minute now, when there’s life left to live
Someone really needs me now,
Sir, I’ll give your daughter all my best–
It will be worth it all, see
Later, I’ll have time to rest.
I drove back to that country church,
And I quickly realized
Those dead flowers turned out to be
A blessing in disguise
That old man had taught me much
That life is never done
As long as we give to someone else,
A new life has begun.
So remember,
There’s so little time, and so much that you can give
Don’t waste one minute now, when there’s life left to live
Someone really needs you now,
Will you give them all your best?
It will be worth it all, see
Later, you’ll have time to rest.
By Valerie Cox
September 8, 2010
To Dad: Happy Birthday! I love you!
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