Thought Provokers
by Sue Ann Powell
Each year at
this time, I usually write something relating to “love” in observance of
Valentine’s Day. This year, in honor and memory of a very special friend of
mine and of the entire City of Willis, I am focused on
Agape,
the Greek word for selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, the highest of
the four types of love in the Bible. Many references were made to Eddie Ruth
Lagway at her funeral Saturday that could have come directly from
1
Corinthians 13:
“Love is patient, love is kind, It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not
proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes,
always perseveres.”
Eddie Ruth
was only 55 years old, but she accomplished so much and touched so many people
during her time on earth that she leaves a legacy for all of us who remain
behind. In thinking about her life and accomplishments, I am reminded of this
poem that I have probably used before in this column:
How Are You Spending Your Dash?
“I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on his tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years,
For that dash represents all the time
That he spent alive on earth…
And now only those who loved him
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard…
Are there things you would like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we have never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile.
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy’s being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
And how You spent Your dash?”
My friend
Eddie Ruth spent her “dash” living a life that reflected the unconditional love
of God—agape love. What a legacy she has left with those of us who knew and
loved her!
May we carry on by filling our “dash” with love for others.