“Life” by Henry Van Dyke

Let me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.

So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O’er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road’s last turn will be the best.

How faithful have you been to the courage of the quest? How willing have you been to let the journey be one of joy, day in and day out? Have you let your worries, fears, or wants cloud your vision and harden your heart to the glorious love and truth and life which courses through your veins and animates your soul?

These are questions that you must ask yourself if you seek to keep the courage of the quest and not succumb to reluctance or regret. The spirit of life within you is not buried beneath six feet of dirt at the end of life, for life never dies…it just releases that which was not yet ready to ascend. You do dig his own grave, however, when you look stubbornly back in regret or sheepishly forward in fear, despite the manifold opportunities at your doorstep to live a truly meaningful and fulfilling life. Dare to live lightly, vibrantly and thankfully with “forward face and unreluctant soul” in the full spirit of the courage of the quest. What really do you have to lose?