Blessings
Bear with me a second. I need to explain.
The first time I wrote this column, it began with, “Most everyone has experienced One Of Those Days. I believe I am having One Of Those Lives.”
The next six or seven paragraphs went on about the onslaught of frustrations and setbacks I’ve experienced over the past several months, problems that included having four contracts fall through on the house we’ve been desperately trying two sell, and our two-year old dryer deciding it would be better suited for toasting marshmallows than drying socks. (It went up in flames.)
As I was leaning back in my chair trying to conjure a happier ending than I was actually feeling at that moment, our power went out.
The computer went black.
When the electricity was restored a few minutes later, I restarted the computer and opened my story.
All that remained was, “Most everyone has experienced One Of Those Days. I believe I am having One Of Those Lives.”
So please excuse me for taking what might appear to be the easy way out, but after finding myself being edited by the One capable of turning off my lights, I decided more whining might not be wise. Perhaps I should count my blessings instead.
In the top right corner of my bulletin board was a quote by Oscar Wilde. “What seems to us bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.”
I’ve already found this to be true. I’d forgotten how nice clothes smell after being dried on a clothesline.
I pulled out my quotes file and looked through others I’d saved, looking for more words of encouragement.
“Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” (William Ellery Channing)
“The best way out is always through.” (Robert Frost)
“A diamond is a chunk of coal that made good under pressure.” (Unknown)
“Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find that you have crossed the mountain.” (Unknown)
“Never be afraid to do something new. Remember–amateurs built the ark; professionals built the titanic.” (Unknown)
“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant.” (Horace)
“You may not realize it when it happens, but at kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” (Walt Disney)
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.” (Meister Eckhardt)
