words that tugged at on my heartstrings
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes of his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happend at the very lowest and saddest times of his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the LORD about it. "LORD, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints; I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you"
(Margaret Fishback Powers)
幸せをつかみなさい．泣きたいなら，愛を持って泣きなさい．正したいなら，愛を持って正しなさい．
思いやるなら，愛を持って思いやりなさい．
（聖アウグスティヌス）
Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.
(Reinhold Neibuhr, 1892-1971)
that proceeds from the mouth of God.
(Matthew 4:4)
I was made weak, That I might learn humbly to obey.
------------
I asked for health, That I might do greater things -
I was given infirmity, That I might do better things.
------------
I asked for riches, That I might be happy -
I was given poverty, That I might be wise.
------------
I asked for power, That I might have the praise of men -
I was given weakness, That I might feel the need for God.
------------
I asked for all things, That I might enjoy life -
I was given life, That I might enjoy all things.
------------
I got nothing that I asked for, But everything I had hoped for.
------------
Almost despite myself, My unspoken prayers were answered.
Among all men, I am the most richly blessed.
(J. Roger Lucey)
compared to what lies within us.
(Oliver Wendell Holmes)