The Dash

by Linda Ellis copyright 1996

​I read of a man who stood to speak

at the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on the tombstone

from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of 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 they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them

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’d 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’ve 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 is being read,

with your life’s actions to rehash…

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent YOUR dash?

​​Copyright 1996 Linda Ellis

This poem was read at the beginning of my grandma Pendletons funeral in 2001. As you know my grandma’s funeral was a turning point in my life.  I really pondered “what do I want people to say about me when I die.” What do I want my kids to say about me when I die” And I changed my life, I stopped focusing on the material things that I thought were important and went to work on the real important things, relationships with people and Heavenly Father.

Be aware that people are always watching you, and your dash is always being defined.

  

   Each life that touches ours for good
Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;
Thou sendest blessings from above
Thru words and deeds of those who love.

   What greater gift dost thou bestow,
What greater goodness can we know
Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways
Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

  When such a friend from us departs,
We hold forever in our hearts
A sweet and hallowed memory,
Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

   For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

I also like this song I really have been pondering the first line” Each life that touches ours for Good.  Think of the lives that have touched your life; family, friends, leaders, teachers, the news, song artists, the prophet that wrote scripture, ancestors that came to America…etc.  We are not lone islands and it is silly for us to think that our actions have no consequences and that our actions don’t affect anyone else, because they do.

 Take time to ponder if you were to die in one year from now, which is possible we don’t know when we will leave this world, Ponder what do you want people to say about you, what will your dash mean to others. 

How can you touch others life for good?

Scatter Sunshine

 

In a world where sorrow

Ever will be known,

Where are found the needy

And the sad and lone,

How much joy and comfort

You can all bestow,

If you scatter sunshine

Ev’rywhere you go.

(Chorus)

Scatter sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten

Ev’ry passing day.

Scatter sunshine all along your way.

Cheer and bless and brighten

Ev’ry passing day.

 Slightest actions often

Meet the sorest needs,

For the world wants daily

Little kindly deeds.

Oh, what care and sorrow

You may help remove,

With your songs and courage,

Sympathy and love.

 When the days are gloomy,

Sing some happy song;

Meet the world’s repining

With a courage strong.

Go with faith undaunted

Thru the ills of life;

Scatter smiles and sunshine

O’er its toil and strife

I have been thinking a lot lately about the gospel and its principles.  I think that we get caught up in things and forget the true gospel.  The Savior spent his ministery serving as many people as he possible could.

We should be doing the same thing.  Yes we do have homework, chores, jobs, church callings and family and friend responsibilities.  But throughout the day you could be "scattering sunshine" as you do all of these things.

Hold the door open for the people behind you, smile, speak kinder, wish everyone a good day. When I think i remember to pray that I can see those around be that could use help, I see tons a people that I can help: Help the elderly find their cars, and loading their groceries, helping them get the higher stuff off the shelves.  Letting the mom with sad kids in front of me in line, Saying hi to the neighbors.  The list could go on and on. But when I take the few minutes to help it makes my day brighter as well.

I would council all of you to take 20 - 30 min out of your "busy" schedules and serve.  Your day will go better.

Matt 5:16- Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.

If you want some ideas on what you can do to scatter sunshine here is a link of some ideas

1. Scatter Sun Shine
2. 
   

What have I done today?

I certainly can relate to this message, I don’t know about you, but I have had some of those days. There are those days when my list seems to get longer and longer, and the people around me are in  need  of my help and I just feel frustrated and want to yell “what about me, when is it my turn?”

 What I love most about this message is that we get to see what effect that her influence and service had on others.  Most of the times we never get to see the outcome of our influence and service to others. And most of the time we don’t take the time to stop and realize what we have done, we just look at what we didn't accomplish, or we are just focused on what we want to do most.

This is one of my favorite hymns, I do find myself singing this hymn when I have had days like is illustrated in this clip.  It sometimes helps me have perspective.

Have I done any good in the world today?

Have I helped anyone in need?

Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

If not, I have failed indeed.

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

Because I was willing to share?

Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

When they needed my help was I there?

This is posted as the tag line for this clip; I think it will be going on my bathroom mirror for a while.

“How many things did you get checked off your “to- do” list today? Sometimes, the most important things you do each day were never even on your list. As we help a neighbor or family member, we often overlook the results. You might worry about the things you never get done, but President Gordon B. Hinckley reminds us, “You never know how much good you do.”

Let us remember the words which King Benjamin taught us “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17.  (in the Book of Mormon)

Have a fabulous day and go and do something good today!!