William Arthur Ward has inspired millions with his poems for many years. Let his encouraging poems be ones that you reflect upon and share with others.
His writings have been published by many, including Reader's Digest, and many Christian publications. And he has authored some great inspirational books, including Thoughts Of A Christian Optimist, For This One Hour, Miracles That I Have Seen, and Rewarding moments: A treasury of prose and poetry, to name only a few. Born on December 17, 1921, in Louisana, Mr. Ward graduated from McMurray College and received his master's degree at Oklahoma State University.
He died on March 30, 1994, but his work lives on by continuing to inspire many.
Each of us will one day be judged
By our standard of life -
Not by our standard of living;
By our measure of giving -
Not by our measure of wealth,
By our simple goodness -
Not by our seeming greatness.
Forgiveness is the key that
Unlocks the door of resentment
And the handcuffs of hate.
It is a power that breaks the chains
Of bitterness and
The shackles of selfishness.
Do more than belong: participate.
Do more than care: help.
Do more than believe: practice.
Do more than be fair: be kind.
Do more than forgive: forget.
Do more than dream: work.
Do more than teach; inspire.
Do more than earn; enrich.
Do more than give; serve.
Do more than live; grow.
Do more than suffer; triumph.
The mistakes to avoid:
Remorse over yesterday's failures.
Anxiety over today's problems.
Worry over tomorrow's uncertainty.
Waste of the moment's opportunity.
Procrastination with one's present duty.
Resentment of another's success.
Criticism of a neighbor's imperfection.
Impatience with youth's immaturity.
Skepticism of our nation's future.
Unbelief in God's providence.
Wise is the person
Who profits from the mistakes of the past,
Recognizes the opportunities of the present,
And anticipates the challenges of the future.
The wise person feels
A kinship with antiquity,
A friendship with infancy,
And a fellowship with infinity.
A preacher is a person who
perceives parables in problems,
poetry in patience,
sermons in sunsets,
symphonies in snowflakes,
stories in smiles,
miracles in meadows,
messages in mountains,
fables in flowers,
lessons in leaves,
legends in laughter,
truth in trees,
wonder in water falls,
wisdom in windows,
greatness in gratitude,
grandeur in grasses,
goodness in gardens,
beauty in bridges,
inspirational in icicles,
crosses in crises,
and reverence in rainbows.