Failure by Refusal

More common than failure due to apathy or procrastination is failure through saying an outright “no” to the promptings of divine grace. The following little poem, titled “But I Didn’t" is a kind of examination of conscience for this type of failure:

Did you ever think at the close of day

Of kindly words you meant to say – but didn’t?

Do you ever think when day is done

Of errands you kindly could have run – but didn’t?

Do you ever think when skies are red

Of hungry mouths you could have fed – but didn’t?

Do you ever think at dawn or night

Of letters that you meant to write – but didn’t?

Will you think at life’s last setting sun

Of all the deeds you could have done – but didn’t?

                                                   Anonymous

This excerpt is from the book The Art of Loving God by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications, 1995. This and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.