Perspective

It seems that I only learn from my experiences after it's too late to make changes. How many times have I been in the middle of a situation, not knowing if I should go one way or another, and wished that I had a magic wand to wave and give me an answer? How many times have I looked back at my life and wished I had taken a different path? How many times have I objected to the guidance offered by those who love me? How often have I gone my own way, shunning the wisdom of others?

But yet, I can't change what was. I can learn from it. I am grateful for the good times and for the bad because both have molded me into the person I am. I'm thankful for the gentle souls in my life who have allowed me to make mistakes, for in those ways, I have grown. I've learned there are blessings in every situation. Sometimes I really have to look hard to find the blessings, but they are there if I will take the time.

I'm reminded of a story about a little boy who was annoyingly happy. No matter what happened, this little boy thought it was great. So, one time someone gave him a yard full of horse manure as a birthday gift. They thought, "That will teach him. There's no way he can be happy about manure." But lo and behold..... The boy was thrilled. When asked why, his response was, "I just know there's got to be a pony in there somewhere."

So, I look for the pony. It may take a while to find. I may have to dig around in the manure for a while. But with time, I can find the blessings in all situations. With God's help, I know I'll find the pony.