The Best

My great grandpa was a poet.  A very good one.  No...not good. Great.  Maybe "great" isn't the word either. Exceptional, inspired? Maybe there are no words.  He wrote funny things and inspiring things....This poem is sort of a family motto.

On days like these when I'm overwhelmed by the seemingly never-ending mass of ignorance around me, these words come to mind.  So I wipe my tears, get off the server room floor, strap on a pair and get back to work.  Because my passing "failures" and the passing failures of others don't beat me down...they do the opposite.  And I know in the deepest part of my being that I have done my absolute best.  I've done my part ...let the Lord come in and do His.

Thank you, Great Grandpa James. We never knew each other, but your words of wisdom, encouragement and  humor  have been instrumental in the lives of your descendants.  We quote you all the time :)

Another time I'll share How I Sign Mi Name just because it's great. :)  But first 'ahem' I give you The Best. Always.

Rev. James A.C. Elliot
1877-1961

The Best 
Rev. J.A.C. Elliot

If all you have done
Is all you could - The Best;
Then be content
And leave to God the rest.

Things fluctuate,
Neither joy nor sorrow stays.
Oft changing scenes
And changing moods amaze.

But he who knows
That in all things there is good;
That passing failures
Are but strengthening food.

Will climb the hill
Though his defeats confess;
And push his way through all
To sweet success.