'Strive to be Happy'

We attended a funeral today; somehow the beautiful sunshine and warmth seemed inappropriate. It was a humanist ceremony, not a religious ceremony, but very spiritual nevertheless; and I particularly liked these words, which are known to me, but were spoken during the ceremony and also given to us on the memorial sheet:

'Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with god, whatever you conceive him to be
and whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy
confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.