It’s always something.  I know you have your days or perhaps weeks when anything you do does not go as planned.  This happened to me this past week.  Anything which could go wrong went horribly wrong.  I was very happy to reach the conclusion of the week and a week off to hopefully rest.

My computer didn’t want to work and a myriad of problems continued to pile up.  Of course you all have been through the scenario with computer problems.  Having to stay onthe line with technical help, knowing full well at the end of almost two hours they will give you a reference and tracking number and tell you to send it in for repair.  I tried to tell them this would happen, but they didn’t want to listen. Thy preferred talking to me in computer speak and it doesn’t matter what you tell them; they know better than you the problem.  And if that isn’t enough to make one lose their patience, they place you with someone you can’t understand.  All of this happened to me and more, but I digress.

I survived it without losing my temper, but I came awfully close to losing it.  I’m a faithful Christian and indeed, some days are trying.

In her book, North to the Orient Anne Morrow Lindbergh, tells about the oriental symbolism of trees:  The bamboo stands for prosperity, the pine tree means long life, the plum tree suggests courage.

Mrs. Lindbergh asked why the plum tree suggested courage.  The answer she explained, “Because it puts out its blossoms while the snow is still on the ground.”

The Christian should adopt the plum tree as an example.  We should show our Christ-like attitudes at times when they are needed the most.

Be kind and forgiving to those who mistreat you.

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:  for He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth the rain on the just and on the unjust.”     Matthew 5:43-45

Be understanding and open minded to those who are prejudiced against you.

“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Sythian, bond nor free:  but Christ is all, and in all.”   (Colossians 3:11)

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:  But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”     (Acts 1:34-35)

Stand up for moral ideals when it is contrary to popular custom.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them:  for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
(Deuteronomy 31:6)

Have the courage and strength to do the difficult things by “putting out your blossoms” when it is difficult.”      ~ Zimmerman

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”   (Philippians 4:13)

“The real things haven’t changed.  It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what you have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.”         ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

Eileen Light