Leap of Faith Poetry

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"Why the fancy china?" I heard my neighbor say as I prepared the table for dinner late one day. "Are those your linen napkins? Won't paper napkins do?" But I just smiled and shook my head, with, "if you only knew..." "Is there a special guest who's joining you tonight? Someone of great importance you must impress 'just right'?  I see you're using crystal and sterling silverware!  You take it to the limit ~ no luxury to spare!  Is it some kind of secret? Please tell me if you can...and is this special visitor a woman or a man?  I see your husband coming ~ the kids are with him too. I hope you warned those kids of yours to 'mind their P's and Q's'!" "My friend, I must be honest...I'll tell you who it's for: my special 'guests of honor' are coming through the door!  I used to save my china for holidays and guests, but then I came to realize who most deserves my 'best.'  What better way to show them how much they mean to me? So now I use my finest for my own family!  Imagine if I'd saved it and then, when old, I'd see my pristine set of china just waiting there for me.  But I'd have none to share it with ~ no pleasure, only tears. What good would it have done me to save it all these years?  Should those I hold most dear be treated any less while lavishing our silver on strangers we call 'guests'? And so, my friend, I hope my purpose now is clear....that EVERY DAY is special when you have loved ones near!"

~Julie Schwartz

Copyright © 2003, Julie Schwartz  All Rights Reserved.

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