There have been many times during my life when I have felt that I have never been asked to endure anything too hard. However, I also recognize that there have been times in my life where it feels like there is no reprieve from the hardships and trials that we are asked to endure. On Wednesday night Benjamin was jumping on the couch (something he knows he is not supposed to do) and hit the back of his head on the window sill. I heard the thud and knew it was pretty hard. I inwardly rolled my eyes and thought, "This is what happens when you don't listen to mom." As he wandered over to me for comfort, which I was prepared to give following a stern rebuke, there was suddenly blood everywhere. It dripped on the couch, across the kitchen, all down the back of his neck and face, and all over his shirt. I was suddenly in a panic. His scalp had split open and he was leaving evidence everywhere. Fortunately Joe had just gotten home and was able to come to my aid. After about 10 mi...
If you can smile when things go wrong And say it doesn't matter, If you can laugh off cares and woe And trouble makes you fatter, If you can keep a cheerful face When all around are blue, Then have your head examined, bud, There's something wrong with you. For one thing I've arrived at: There are no ands and buts, A guy that's grinning all the time Must be completely nuts. ["Smile, Darn You, Smile," as quoted by Jeffrey R Holland, "The Will of the Father," Jan,17, 1989.]