Not so long ago ...

Not so long ago we were thinking about all the things we didn't have;
Now we are thinking about all the things we do have.

Not so long ago we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes:
Now we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

Not so long ago we paid lip service to the real meaning of the holidays;
Now we are paying homage to it.

Not so long ago we were lighting candles to decorate;
Now we are lighting candles to commemorate.

Not so long ago we thought a man who could rush down a football field was a hero;
Now we know a man who rushes into a burning building is the real hero.

Not so long ago we were thinking about the madness of the holidays;
Now we are thinking about the meaning of them.

Not so long ago we were getting on one another's nerves;
Now we are learning to appreciate our family and friends.

Not so long ago we were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us;
Now we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.

Not so long ago we were giving thanks for gifts from stores;
Now we are giving thanks for gifts from God.

Not so long ago we were wondering how to give our children all the things that money can buy ---
the hottest toys, the latest fashions, the newest gadgets;
Now we are wondering how to give them all the things we can't ---
a sense of security, safety, peace.

Not so long ago we were thinking about all the pressure we are under at the office;
Now we  are thinking about the people that no longer have an office to go to.

Not so long ago we were singing songs;
Now we are singing anthems.

Not so long ago we were thinking how good it would feel to be affluent;
Now we are thinking how good it feels to be alive.

Not so long ago we thought angels were in heaven;
Now we know some are right here on earth.

Not so long ago we were contemplating all the changes we wanted to make in the New Year;
Now we are contemplating all the changes we will have to make with this new reality.

Not so long ago we believed in the power of the pocketbook;
Now we believe in the power of prayer.

Not so long ago we were complaining about how much of our earnings went to pay taxes;
Now we comprehend that freedom isn't free.

Not so long ago the people we idolized wore football, basketball, and baseball uniforms;
Now we know the people we idolize wear police, firefighter, and military uniforms.

Not so long ago"Peace on Earth" was something we prayed for on Sunday mornings;
now it is something we pray for every day.

 

 

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