Opening Thought --- Susie Your Perspective is not My Reality, but Mine is ---
A famous book writer sat in his study and began to write a few points on the year that had passed:
• Had surgery to remove my gallstones.
• Turned 60, Retired, quit a company I loved and left a job I had been doing for 35 years.
• I was abandoned by my beloved mother who passed away.
• My son failed his final medical exam because of a car accident. The cost ofrepairs marked the peak of a truly miserable year.
The writer’s wife entered the room and saw her husband sad and pensive. From behind she could see her husband’s writing. Slowly she backed away.
Fifteen minutes later she returned and place a piece of paper on the desk in front of her husband. It read:
• Last year my husband finally managed to get rid of the gallstones that were causing him so much pain for years.
• I am grateful that he was able to retire in a healthy and happy state of mind and body. I thank God that he was given the opportunity to work and earn for 35 years to support our family.
• Now my husband can spend time writing which has always been his passion.
• In the same year my 95-year-old mother-in-law, without any pain, returned to God in peace.
• The same year God protected our son from harm in a terrible accident. The car was seriously damaged but our son survived without any injuries.
• Last year was full of extraordinary blessings for which we are grateful.
We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.