When Shall I Begin? - Helen Spencer Schlie

When Shall I Begin?   Helen Spencer Schlie

My Mother-in-Law gave this poem to me many years ago, it is a favorite and something to think about especially at the New Year.

When shall I begin
to live this gospel in the fullest way -
to give more joyfully as I live each day.
When shall I begin?

If I am to live more wisely,
if I am to give more love
and learn to receive more love,
When shall I begin?

Shall it be in some dim an distant day
when life has smoothed from out my way
all that would dissuade my mind from Thee?

Shall it be when all my fellow man
have become as perfect as they can,
so no one shall ever say
a disturbing word to bar my way?

Shall it be when all my children - grown -
have established houses of their own,
when all my search for gold is done,
and all my treasures surely won?

Shall it be when all the teachings here
have fallen ripe on every other ear?

Shall it be then that I begin?

Or - shall it be when at last
as on my fading sight is cast
the end of life's sweet shining rays,
shall it be then that I begin?

Oh, let it not be so I pray
Let me begin - again - this very day
At this, the present time!
With all of life's bright day
Still unfolding on my way.