The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1916-08-03
At AN D o N
From Our Exchanges
Just Living in the Present
Tense

The time to live up to the full measure
of man is now. 1t is not enough to have
lived well in the past. The past was worthy
of good men, but no more so than the pre-
sent. The importance with which one views
the needs of the world will go a long way
toward measuring ones personal contribu-
ton to the age in which he lives. No one
is likely to offer worthy contribution who
does not view life seriously enough to con-
slider his personal obligation to men.
1t is very great misfortune that too many
people live almost wholly in the past. Their
past success is their chief stock in trade.
That they have made good showing, in
their own estimation, is the principal topic
of conversation among both their intimate
friends and those who are strangers.
1t is pleasant thing to be able to realize
that past efforts have not been without their
reward. In fact, there is little to inspire in
the thought of having been failure in the
work which you felt called to undertake,
on the other hand, he who has succeeded,
is cheered by the thought of success.
Who shall Judge whether man is sue
cess or failure? May it not be true that what
was called success in the past, might scarce
ly be considered little less than failure to-
day, in the light of advanced opportunities
presented.
The great danger of living in the past is
the barrier to our greatest progress. He
who becomes satisfied with his standard of
excellence attained is less likely to reach his
highest possible excellence than he who is
up early in the morning gathering inspi-
ration from the freshness of the DEVELOPS
sparkling in the first rays of sunlight like
polished diamonds.
Just as tense denotes the time of an action
or event, SO emphasis and effort denote the
likelihood of US attaining what we call sue
cess. That too many have looked to the
future and are looking still for it to bring
them success is fact we dare not overlook.
| will save my wages next year. 1t will be
the part of wisdom for me to get everything
ready so there will be just as little expense
as possible then we can make better show
ing. How many persons have talked just
about that way this year.
Perhaps you know some one who prom
Used himself he would quit swearing, but
when the time came, his force of character
was not strong enough to back him up in
his good resolution and he still swears, very
much to his own disgust. He has become
a victim, growing weaker with the passing
of years.
Here is another fellow who was reasoned
with to lead better life, and this was his
idea. Let me alone until get ready, some
of these times will surprise you. He is
Juggling with time as if it belonged to him
personally.
Young man, let me suggest to you that
since you have made such poor use of the
past, and since the future is SO very uncer-
tain, it would become you very we'll if you
would change your tactics and place the
emphasis where it properly belongs, on the
present. You may have much to promise
for the future, but rest assured that ga mill
lion going-to-do-its would not balance one
''has DONE" A pound of right this minute
is worth 'to-morrows' half ton.
Begin to-day to be what you wish to be
a hundred Years hence. There is no other
sure road by which you may reach the de-
sired destination than by living in tie
present tense. Begin now. Stick to it. You
can if you will.-Ex.