Happy Monday, dear friends!
When I was in high school I bought a poster that resonated deep in my soul and changed my life. Little did I know that the words of the Desiderata would become my guideposts. All these years I thought that it was an ancient document found in St. Paul’s Church, Baltimore in 1692, as noted on the bottom of the poster. Recently, I was doing some research and discovered that indeed is not the case.
The Discovery
In 1956, Frederick Kates, Rector of St. Paul’s Church, included the Desiderata, Latin for “desired things,” in a compilation of devotional material for his congregation, which included the church’s foundation date: “Old St. Paul’s Church, Baltimore AD 1692.” This has been misinterpreted as the date that it was written.
Max Ehrmann wrote the prose poem in 1927 in Terre Haute, Indiana. Interestingly, that’s only an hour from where I now live. It was largely unknown until Mr. Kates published it in 1956. It wasn’t until the early 70’s that it gained popularity. It was 1972 when I bought the poster.
The Test of Time
I have gone back to this text many times. Each time, it moves me to tears. The truths that are contained in its words are timeless. From that seventeen year old girl who found a refuge in its meaning to the grandmother I am today, these words have represented the core values that I hold dear. This Christmas, I gave each of my children a copy of this poster included below along with its story. My hope is that they will find comfort, solace, strength, and courage within the words as I did.
And now I am delighted to share it with you.
You are loved,
Dana
DanaWhitedFulton says
I do the same thing, Pamela! I’m so pleased you stopped and commented! I’ve had a few glitches with technology and I’m learning as I go. Thank you for your love and friendship!
PamelaTweddellOlivas says
One is never too old to learn and I’m still learning. Every day I pray for wisdom from God to guide my footsteps. Desiderata has some very thoughtful, wise words. Thanks for that.