Wisdom of the Ages

If I am to dream, let me dream magnificent
Let me dream grand and lofty thoughts and ideals
That are worthy of me and my best efforts.

If I am to strive, let me strive mightily
Let me spend myself and my very being
In a quest for that magnificent dream.

And, if I am to stumble, let me stumble but persevere
Let me learn, grow and expand myself to join the battle
Renewed for another day and another day and another day.

If I am to win, as I must, let me do so with honor and gratitude
Honor and gratitude for those people and things that
Made winning possible and so very sweet.

For each of us has been given life as an empty plot of ground
But on that hallowed ground are the four cornerstones of a great life
The ability to dream, to strive, to stumble but to persevere, and to win.

The common man sees this plot of land as a little more
Than a place to sit and ponder the things that will never be
But the uncommon man sees his plot of ground as a castel
A cathedral, a place of learning and healing.

For the uncommon man understands that in these four cornerstones
The Almighty has given us anything - and everything,

Source: Wisdom of the Ages - Jim Stovall