These Are My JOTtings...

Convincing Another

How hard we try to be so right
in ev'ry word and deed!
We feel convinced the world's in night
without our words to read!

Yet, must we spend such effort great
to get inside the mind
Of others who may subject rate
so diff'rent and be kind.

I'm not so perfect! That I know!
I've been in err before.
I've learned compassion and to grow
to need these others more.

The greatest truth we need to learn,
when diff'rent views occur
Is seen in phrase with words that turn.
It draws their hearts for sure.

"For people care not what you know
in any day or age,
"Until they know you care, I trow
in ev'ry living stage."

And thus the words of President,
Sir Teddy Roosevelt,
But also one great speaker's bent,
John Maxwell this thought felt.

So spend your days convincing none,
but loving ev'ry soul,
And when the final crown is won
relationships are whole.

by Jay O'Toole
on May 16th, 2017