The Weber Literary Journal "It seems now the journey's over as if that's all that counts." "Aren't ye proud of your success?" asked the old man, studying his son's profile. "Oh, yes, dad! And humbly grateful, but you should have seen old Henry Jones' face when he first caught sight of me." "I know, I've been sitting here a long time thinking of just what you mean. My journey's nearly over. It wont be long now before the day goes out for me. I've been lookin' back over life. It took a deal o' hutsling to keep you all and your Ma goin' properly. But now I can't remember what the rush and work and worry was about. I'm rememberin' Christmas mornings, and hand-clasps of friends, and little fingers that clung when they were sick." "Moments in which you really lived," explained the boy comprehendingly. "That's it! I was callin' them to myself a while ago 'love-lit moments.' They are about all that counts at the journey's end." Every journey through life is marked by mile-stones. The formal completion of school is the first important milestone in many lives, and the remainder of journey is more or less influenced by habits formed before that event. Therefore in the rush and grind of our school life, in our pursuit of success, in our following of the will-o'-the-wisp called pleasure, let us take time to appreciate beauty and enjoy the accompanying emotions. For appreciation is largely a matter of habit, and to exercise that habit keenly and intelligently is a mark of education. Furthermore praise-worthy deeds spring more from the emotions than from reason. It takes but a moment's time to enjoy the sunset, yet like Wordsworth's "Daffodils," the memory will, "flash upon the inner eye" and bring joy when there is a dearth of beauty in life and one's surroundings. A moment spent with the multiform ocean, one lived with the grandeur of the mountains, filled with due esteem, lift man nearer the Supreme Artist, who planted love of beauty in the hearts of his children. Fill such 8 The Weber Literary Journal moments with praise, and out of the uplifting impulse will arise nobler deeds. In our school life let us have activities which cultivate our sense of the beautiful: good literature in our publications, good music in our dances, real spirit of praise in our devotional exercises. Let us observe and appreciate what our art department is doing; and as a body stand behind school oratorical contests and plays. Aside from loyalty to friend and Alma Mater every student owes it to himself, as a part of his education, to cultivate a quick eye to see beauty. There is no harmony between respect for beauty and defaced walls, disorderly class rooms, broken furniture, for no man destroys that which he values highly. Furthermore, let us not be ashamed of emotion, for deep feeling is an indication of a gifted soul, and correctly controlled and directed leads to lofty thoughts and deeds. Twilight! For us all some day will the shadows fall. Every day marks the close of one part of life a fraction which will return no more. Even in so short a space as a day what remains in our minds as sleep overtakes us are the smiles exchanged and the good fellowship enjoyed. Rare moments live through the years brief seconds filled with love of friend, love of nature, love of God. Love-lit moments! They are the ones which count at the journey's end. 9