A finished life - a life which has made the best of all the materials granted to it, and through which, be its web dark or bright, its pattern clear or clouded, can now be traced plainly the hand of the Great Designer; surely this is worth living for? And though at its end it may be somewhat lonely; though a servant's and not a daughter's arm may guide the failing step; though most likely it will be strangers only who come about the dying bed, close the eyes that no husband ever kissed, and draw the shroud kindly over the poor withered breast where no child's head has ever lain; still, such a life is not to be pitied, for it is a completed life. It has fulfilled its appointed course, and returns to the Giver of all breath, pure as He gave it. Nor will He forget it when He counteth up His jewels. ~ Ch 12
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A life well-lived is valuable even if it ends alone, as it fulfills a divine design.
- In plain terms
- A good life is worth it even if no family is there at the end.
- What can you take from it?
- Live fully regardless of who is with you at the end.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a life complete?
- How do you define a good end?
Another view
It romanticizes loneliness which can be painful.
More from Dinah Maria Mulock
The only way to make people good, is to make them happy. ~ Ch 11
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