Dr. Moorehead, minister, author, and former pastor of Overlake
Christian Church in Redmond, Washington, wrote this in 1990. It
was later published in 1995 in his book, WORDS APTLY SPOKEN.
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings
but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We
have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences,
but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge,
but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine,
but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh
too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late,
get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray
too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced
our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too
often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added
years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the
moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet
a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.
We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned
up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom,
but not our prejudice.
We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish
less.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers
to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever,
but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men
and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier
houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway
morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that
do everything from cheer,
to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and
nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this
letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share
this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they
are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word
to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person
soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you because
that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it
doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and
your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace
will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember
to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak
and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.