I will greet this day with love in my heart.
For this is the greatest secret of success in all ventures. Muscle can split a shield and
even destroy life but only the unseen power of love can open the hearts of men. I will
make love my greatest weapon and none can defend against its force.
And how will I do this? Henceforth I will look on all things with love and I will be
born again. I will love the sun for it warms my bones; yet I will love the rain for it
cleanses my spirit. I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the
darkness for it shows me the stars. I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my heart;
yet I will endure sadness for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards for they are
my due; yet I will welcome obstacles for they are my challenge.
And how will I speak? I will laud mine enemies and they will become friends; I will
encourage my friends and they will become brothers. Always will I dig for reasons to
applaud; never will I scratch for excuses to gossip. When I am tempted to criticize I
will bite on my tongue; when I am moved to praise I will shout from the roofs.
Is it not so that birds, the wind, the sea and all nature speaks with the music of
praise for their creator? Cannot I speak with the same music to his children?
Henceforth will I remember this secret and it will change my life.
And how will I act? I will love all manner of men for each has qualities to be
admired even though they are hidden. With love I will tear down the wall of suspicion
and hate which they have built round their hearts and in its place will I build bridges
so that my love may enter their souls.
I will love the ambitious for they can inspire me! I will love the failures for they
can teach me. I will love the kings for they are but human; I will love the meek for
they are divine. I will love the rich for they are yet lonely.
I will love the poor for they are so many. I will love the young for the faith they
hold; I will love the old for the wisdom they share. I will love the beautiful for
their eyes of sadness; I will love the ugly for their souls of peace.
But how will I react to the actions of others? With love. For just as love is my weapon
to open the hearts of men, love is also my shield to repulse the arrows of hate and
the spears of anger. Adversity and discouragement will beat against my new shield and
become as the softest of rains.
And how will I confront each whom I meet? In only way. Silence to myself I will address
him and say “I love you”. Though spoken in silence these words shine in my eyes,
unwrinkled my brow, bring a smile to my lips, and echo in my voice; and his heart
will be opened.