Over the doorway of the Cathedral of Milan is the inscription: “Only the eternal is important.” There are a great many things it is not worth our while to do. Some of us spend our days in poor trivialities which bless no one, and which will add no lustre to our crown. “Only the eternal is important.” Therefore, “Walk while ye have the light, that the darkness overtakes you not.” Waste no opportunity. Despise no privilege. Squander no moment. There is just time enough in God’s plan for you to live your life well if you spend every moment of it in earnest, faithful duty. One hour lost will leave a flaw. A life thus lived in unbroken diligence and faithfulness will have no regrets when the end comes. Its work will be completed. It will not be night that then over takes it in the ministry which men call death, but day rather, the morning of eternity.
This reading was taken from Strength and Beauty
Chapter 25 : The Sacredness of Opportunity