I read today’s quote to my husband and asked, “What kind of image do you see with this quote?
His immediate response: “The Iwo Jima Memorial.”
Huh.
Not what I was originally thinking of . . . but then it made sense.
The Battle of Iwo Jima took place during World War II from the middle of February until almost the end of March. One of the first objectives was to capture Mt. Suribachi. On February 23, when the mountain was almost secured, a small American flag was erected on top of the mountain. Later that day, a much larger American flag was raised by five Marines and a Navy corpsman. This event was witnessed by a news photographer — and his picture became a Pulitzer Prize winner.
Of the six soldiers captured in the photograph — and later memorialized in the sculpture — only three survived the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Reading that quote and seeing that image does give me pause . . .
How am I going to live my life today — if all I did today and said today is what I would be remembered for? Not all significant actions are immortalized in bronze, but that doesn’t make them any less valuable.
In Your Words: When you read the quote “Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I shall be remembered” — how does your outlook change? How does your behavior change? Or does it?
Don’t forget: You can read a free download of Chapter 1 of Wish You Were Here — and it’s available for $1.99 as a Kindle Deal!
Comments 12
How amazing that Dr. Seuss wrote that, and remembered he is. I try to make sure my students of any age have a sense of accomplishment in each day’s work so they go away happy or encouraged and clear on what more is needed. Now to include that in each segment of my writing–maybe I’m starting to understand the mechanics needed in each chapter.
Author
What a great application of this quote, Dee!
Dr. Seuss’ quote certainly made me pause today. I think I will put it above my computer screen where I can see it each day. Thank you.
Author
You are welcome.
I like to think we are all challenging each other as we mull over these quotes. Different ones reverb with different people — and then there are “keepers” that ring true for everyone.
Wow. What a convicting challenge. Thanks for sharing this quote, Beth. My words and actions toward my boys, and others, are the things I will be remembered for–for good or for bad. I want to make sure my words and actions give an accurate representation of Jesus’ presence in my life.
Today, I am going to focus on words that uplift, patience in my actions and grace in my responses. Thanks for the challenge to make good memories for those around me.
Author
I post the quotes that challenge me too, Jeanne.
🙂
I have learned that I am NOT Beth Moore.
I know, right?
STUNNED you all with that one.
But God didn’t call Beth Moore to be ME, either.
I’m more Ellen Degeneres with a big side of Anita Renfro.
I can rarely sit through a sermon because I can’t sit still. But I can sit at my (husband’s) computer for 29 hours straight working on my novel. Which is fictional and not true. But the characters ARE REAL!!!
Each and every time I try to be meaningful and deep, it ain’t such a good thing. But if I just relax and be myself, then I might just accomplish something…whatever that certain something is.
I have learned that *I* might not be the one to solve someone’s problem, fix the hurt or make the bad go away, but I will most likely be the one to make you crack a smile or maybe even laugh a little in the midst of the hurricane. If I can be remembered for bringing some sunshine, then I know I’ve done the job God gave me to do.
Author
Sometimes a smile or a laugh in the midst of the hurricane is just what I need, Jennifer. Just what I need.
I appreciate seeing a Dr. Seuss quote with this picture … made me realize how serious Marines, as well as cartoonists, are about changing the world. And how somber acts go hand in hand with lighter-hearted ones, all for the sake of making a difference. This post makes a lasting impression. Thanks, Beth.
Timely post. Just yesterday I learned that an acquaintance of ours suffered a fatal heart attack the night before. She wasn’t that much older than I am and left behind an only/daughter the same age as mine. Makes me remember that our days are numbers and any one of them could be our last. Because of that reminder–and yours–I’m more aware of the fragility of life and have redoubled my efforts to let those nearest and dearest to me know how much I love them.
Love you, Beth, and greatly appreciate your encouragement and support.
This is really interesting, actually, because I have a coworker whose last day in the office is today. And earlier during our prayer time, she went around the room and told each of us what she loves about us and will remember about us. And so I sort of had that chance to see myself through someone else’s eyes…
But yeah, I love how that quote shifts my focus for today. I’ve been sort of hurrying through my morning–excited to get off work early today and head to Chicago. But that quote makes these couple hours in the office important. It lends significance even to my upcoming hours on the road–the people I’ll encounter at rest stops or gas stations or when I check in at the hotel.
Catching up on my reading today …
Fun quote. It’s reminds me to try something fantabuliferous every day!