My Meditation Mantra

Some time ago I came across a poem entitled “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann. I liked many of the ideas expressed therein so I thought I would draw from many of them and compose what I believe to be important as an expression of personal precepts to live by. I trust that Mr. Ehrmann isn’t upset that I used his poem as a template in creating my own 'desiderata', but if it's of any consolation, I give him full credit for providing me with wonderful thoughts to ponder, to adapt, and to adopt into my own life.
“My Meditation Mantra" touches upon certain personal religious notions that have spiritual meaning and practical significance. Hence, with the operative concept built upon the word "personal," I present and share with you…

Amid all the noise, haste and turmoil of the world,
I experience peace while endeavoring to follow the right path of the Living Christ.

As far as possible, without surrender, I am on good terms with all persons.
Yet, I avoid those who are contentious and critical; who are vulgar, boisterous, and aggressive;
Who esteem themselves above others; who are insistent only upon their own ideas and agendas.
They are all vexations to the spirit.

With two ears, I listen more; with one mouth, I speak less.
Listening to all persons while discerning with my mind and heart, truth, as they understand it.
Speaking with quiet, respectful conviction, truth, as I understand it.

I am honest with who I am, have been, and becoming.
To resist the temptation of comparing myself with others
Is to remove the danger of becoming vain or bitter, discouraged, or needlessly competitive.
Only God knows who are greater and lesser persons;
Only God, for His purposes, need be concerned.

I keep interested in my career and pursuits, whether humble or exalted,
Enjoying my achievements as well as my plans.
They are valuable possessions in the changing fortunes of time.

I exercise caution in all my affairs, as the world is full of evasiveness, secrecy, dishonesty, and invidiousness.
Even so, I am not unduly hardened, which will prevent me from recognizing what honorableness there is still.
Many persons strive for high ideals, and noble deeds abound.

I never feign affection, reject it from others, nor am I cynical about all manifestations of love.
Whatever the confrontation or disappointment, love can and should be ever present.

I am engaged in wholesome disciplines,
Gracefully surrendering the capacities of youth while heeding the counsel of the years
As I age with courage and dignity.

I nurture strength of spirit to shield me when beset with unfortunate events,
And never become distressed with dark imaginings.
Rather, I dispel all thoughts of despair
Born of fear, fatigue, personal deficiencies, perplexity, loneliness, and a myriad of losses.

Whether it is clear to me or not, everything is unfolding as it should.
I have earned the right to be born however long I shall live.
Yet, to understand the paradox that in my nothingness I am of greater worth
Than all the substance of the universe, is to replace pride with humble gratitude and wonderment.

Therefore, I am at peace,
With myself, as I contemplate my actions to do good, and with God, as I contemplate His actions of goodness.
Whatsoever should happen during my lifetime, I keep this peace in my soul.
Even with all of its disruptiveness, disappointments, and drudgery,
Life is preeminently precious, and the world sublimely beautiful.

Remember, remember:
Be of good cheer!
For joy is my birthright, peace my reward, and Christ my salvation.