Lexi my family are Catholic and after my childrens christenings when we gathered at home or at a resteraunt to celebrate the event with friends and loved ones my bride or I always recited the Desiderata to our newest little soul. I found it brought a closeness to we adults who had gathered to celebrate the family commitment of our little one to Gods path. it gave us all a perspective of how we should conduct ourselves, and most importantly how we should conduct ourselves in front of our children.

>>Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with 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 labors 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.<<

Max Ehrmann c.1920

Dear SOG,

What a pleasant surprise to receive your input
into this thread. The Desiderata is simply perfect.
My daughter-in-law is German and her parents are
coming for the Christening from Germany.
We have booked lunch at a restaurant
after the Christening. I intend to have the Desiderata
block-mounted both in the English version and the German
version and I intend to give it to my grandson for his Christening.
Thank You for this wonderful idea that you've given me.
It is deeply appreciated.

Lexi,

That someone gave you those references when you were considering some verses for the baptism of a child is unfathomable!

Like yourself and RObert I am amazed at the poor taste.

If we were debating the Bible and it's contents then sure quote those passages, but, to include them in this thread is very disrespectful.

Luckily as a Christian you have the ability to forgive that person and turn the other cheek. In that way you win twice!

Hopefully, you will have a beautiful day for the baptism and know that 99.9% of the people have that wish for you also!

Dear Opinionated2,

Thank You for your kind words.

I don't like to dwell on unpleasant things.
Attack is an easier response than forgiveness
and most of us are tempted to give into it.
Yet there's no peace without forgiveness.
I've learned that when you forgive you begin
the journey to a deep and unshakeable peace.

But I don't want to sound like a preacher and
make you cringe. Again - Thanks.

Lexi, my Baltic beauty, pleased I could assist with this most meaningful verse for the happy occasion.