By the Rev. Thomas M. Boles PhD., DMin. D.D.

If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another; if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother and sister; if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear, I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.

If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here.

If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain.

If by life’s roadside, I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest, though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blessed, though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave, I shall not have lived in vain while here.”

The measure of a man’s character is not what he gets from his ancestors, but what he leaves his descendants.

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children; and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

Proverbs 13: 22