A Day for the Books

It is amazing how the things that used to seem like the troubles and pain turn into the fond memories of today. Though many should stay where they are laid, others linger on in the stillness of a timeless revery that could not be cut off if you tried to free yourself. The lesson probably stands that we are set up to cherish those things we have at the moment we have them, whether or not we wish to tolerate and even graciously accept it.

We have but this one life, though we dwindle our time, energies and most faculties as we drag ourselves from station to station. There are those of us who seem to subscribe to the school of thought that we ought to be without troubles and be as happy as we can while we are here, because that is the meaning of life. I belong to the opposing team where each and every treacherous disaster and strife brings us closer and reminds us of where it is we are trying to go. We all must make a choice, though it is not so easy to stay on the paths we have decided upon.

I had a strange moment of clarity which seemed to illumine something for Katherine, while, at the same time, causing a peace to settle inside myself. We were discussing something uncomfortable for her and she is not inclined to take kindly to sadness and troubles, considering her earliest memories include her dad going to the E.R., or so sick with a migraine we have to nearly tiptoe in the house, etc. We were, in fact, talking about her struggles with her papa, when we had our moment. It was one of those times where you aren't really sure from whence the words stem, but they seem like good ones and they reach in to turn on a light switch. It was something to the effect of this; when we are struggling, that is when we tend to learn the most and gaining wisdom is a good thing, so we must also approach our struggles this way. Our struggles are what shapes us and wisdom is its natural companion.

This day is closing and so will I, with a psalm (117, septuagint):
"O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever.
Let the house of Israel now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
Let all that fear the Lord now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
I called upon the Lord out of my trouble, and the Lord heard me, and set me at large.
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
The Lord is my help, and I shall see my desire upon mine enemies.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to hope in the Lord than to hope in princes. All the nations compassed me about, but in the name of the
Lord I warded them off. They compassed me, yea, they compassed me about; but in
the name of the Lord I warded them off.
They compassed me about, like bees around a honeycomb, and they kindled like fire among thorns; but in the name of the Lord I warded them off.
I was thrust, and overturned, that I might fall; but the Lord was quick to help me.
The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation.
The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous.
The right hand of the Lord hath wrought mightily, the right hand of the Lord hath exalted me; the right hand of the Lord hath wrought mightily.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
The Lord hath chastened me sore, but He hath not given me over unto death.
Open to me the gates of righteousness, and I will go in by them, and I will praise the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord; the just shall enter thereby.
I will praise Thee, for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
The stone which the builder rejected is become the head stone of the corner.
This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.
This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Save now, O Lord; O Lord, send now prosperity.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; we have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.
God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us; appoint a feast with thick boughs, even to the horns of the altar.
Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee; Thou art my God, and I will exalt Thee; I will praise Thee, for Thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever."

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory to Thee, O God. O Lord, our Hope, glory to Thee.