~~~~~~~~~~~~~~TODAY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANKS FOR THE MISERY!
Some stories can stand dusting off. Like the one about a
grandmother who took her little grandson to the beach. They were
having a good time until a huge wave came in and swept the boy
out to sea. She fell down on her knees and pleaded to the
heavens, "Please return my grandson -- that's all I ask!
Please!!!"
A moment later, lo and behold, a wave swelled from the ocean and
deposited the wet, yet unhurt, child at her feet. She checked him
over to make sure that he was okay. He was fine. But still she
looked up to the heavens angrily and said, "When we came he had a
hat!"
We expect her to give thanks for this extraordinary thing which
happened. We're taught to show appreciation for that special act
of kindness or consideration which is given. Yet, can we also say
thanks when all is not so well? And better yet, should we?
A few years ago, someone stole my wife's purse. In the hassle of
going about the business of helping her to replace lost cards and
identification, I recalled the words of author Matthew Henry.
Henry, too, was robbed. Yet he found the grace to give
thanks about his situation. He said, "I give thanks that I have
never been robbed before; that although he took my wallet, he did
not take my life; that although he took everything, it was not
much; and finally, that it was I who was robbed and not I who
robbed."
He may as well have said, "Thanks for the misery!" Except that
Henry was not miserable. After all, it is difficult to feel
miserable when we are busy giving thanks.
--------------------
> From the book, JOY ALONG THE WAY. Free shipping
USA/Can. and free gift wrapping. Get yours here:
http://store.yahoo.com/lifesupportsystem/books.html
Or Call Toll-Free 1-877-344-0989. Autographed until Aug. 31!




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]