Keep a clear eye toward life's end

I just finished reading a most honest, direct, sometimes shocking, sometimes heart-wrenching, always genuine, true story of a man about whom we have all heard many truths and untruths about - Justice Clarence Thomas. If you have not yet read his book (My Grandfather's Son) either get online and order a copy now or run to the nearest library like I did. Be forewarned that whether or not you agree with Justice Thomas on his political beliefs and ideologies, he gives a very open account of his life, environment, feelings, failures, successes, regrets and gratitude. He does not overplay or downplay the role of his family or his faith. His writing style is so transparent and honest that you might wish he had left out some of his shortcomings. But that's one of the wonderful things about the book, the fact that a very private man put on paper for the world to see that he is just that - a private man. Not a black man. Not a Supreme Court Justice. Not a superman or Southerner or Republican or ex-Democrat or some ideal for others but a regular person who grew up in dire circumstances in an often unjust world and through hard work and faith is now in one of the highest offices in the greatest nation in the world. Not a perfect nation but not a nation to be thrown away or taken for granted. He is just a sinner who decides each day to try to do the best he can in whatever circumstances he is in to live a life worthy of his family and his faith. What more can anyone ask of anyone else?

In the book Justice Thomas reveals that he had carried with him a prayer attributed to St. Francis. I really liked the prayer and researched it a little more. The best I can determine the exact prayer that he carried in his wallet, which had gotten him through many tough times, was an abbreviated version. Below is the version I like - it goes very well with the Cotton Mather "Parental Resolution" that a dear friend sent me a few weeks ago that I now keep outlined on the front of my fridge. Both things are a reminder to "Keep a clear eye towards life's end", keep priorities straight by keeping eternity in sight, keep my heart straight by binding it with the Lord's desire to see all come to the saving grace and mercy He has waiting for us.

Keep a clear eye toward life’s end.
Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God’s creature.
What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more.
Do not let worldly cares and anxieties or the pressures of office
blot out the divine life within you or the voice of God's Spirit
guiding you in your great task of leading humanity to wholeness.
If you open yourself to God and His plan
printed deeply in your heart,
God will open Himself to you.
Remember, that when you leave this earth,
you can take with you nothing that you have received—
fading symbols of honour, trappings of power—
but only what you have given:
a full heart
enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.

(May the Lord help us to finish the race well by running it well each and every day.)