In the critical experiences of our lives, how often do the least important happenings become our most lingering impression!

The size and shape of our room, the pictures, the books, the computer, the flowers in the vase, the view from the window - all these blend with our thoughts and emotions as we go through each day.

And so it is when we think of some crucial happening in our time to perhaps an historical figure such as JFK or an event such as 9/11 or to ourselves and the people we love. All of us would no doubt remember where we were at these times and remember all of it.

There are critical hours which seem to direct and shape our whole future life, settle the question of our happiness and fortune, of our usefulness and influence.

It is strange to look back upon our life and realise how little we remember of it. Not for us the memory of a lady I read about recently who could remember almost the complete exact details of everything that had ever happened to her. For me and for most of you so many things and thoughts have become as if they had never been; and yet there are clear events and experiences, and certain highlights of thought and emotion which come back with a distinctiveness and vividness which remain clear as the years go by. It is these special times that make up our real life.

Some of the great poets such as Robert Browning measured life by these great hours. He said that one hour with a poet like Shelley was more important than a million ordinary hours.

Sir Walter Scott felt the same way:

Sound, sound the clarion, fill the fife!

To all the sensual world proclaim,

One crowded hour of glorious life

Is worth an age without a name.

All of us have our great hours. Treasure them and never lose the impulse and vision that they give. It is by the highlights that we learn the meaning of all life. It is by utilising the revelation that they give to us, that we can find meaning to our lives in the dull, grey hours that follow.