September 22

And thus, having patiently endured, he obtained the promise. — Heb 6:15

Man learns to swim by being tossed into life’s maelstrom and left to make his way ashore. No youth can learn to sail his life-craft in a lake sequestered and sheltered from all the storms, where other vessels never come. Skill comes through sailing one’s craft amidst rocks and bars and opposing fleets, amidst storms and whirls and counter currents.
— Newell Dwight Hillis.

O, a trouble’s a ton or a trouble’s an ounce,
Or a trouble is what you make it!
And it isn’t the fact that you’re hurt that counts,
But only—how did you take it?
— Edmund C. Vance.

Prayer

Tender Father, may I not encourage the disposition to enlarge and make much of the troubles and disappointments of life, and make light of the joys and privileges. I pray that I may keep a large place for happiness. Amen.