What to Do When Stuff Happens

“This stuff always happens to me.”  My children can’t be the only ones who whine this chant when things aren’t going their way.  For that matter, I think I’ve heard my husband wail this particular cry.

Some people are just naturally “glass half empty” types.  It shows God’s sense of humor that he paired me with one of those guys.  I am completely the polar opposite.  I always look for the silver lighting, the brighter side of things, and the good in all.  It drives my husband batty – and sometimes my kids as well.

Genetically, half empty is the dominate gene, but half full is an aggressive little guy.  I know that eventually, my children will have no choice but to come over to light side of things.  Once I get them, the hubby will have to fall (or maybe it should be rise) as well – resistance will be futile.

Here’s a little poem that I’ve been clinging to most of my life to help you on your way to the silver lining.  I found it on a few sites, but Stresslesscountry had a beautiful picture of an iris with their copy, and I LOVE iris (another good thing about my day already).

Don’t Quit
by Edgar A. Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
when the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
when the funds are low and the debts are high,
and you want to smile but you have to sigh,
when care is pressing you down a bit – rest if you must,
but don’t you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns.
As everyone of us sometimes learns.
And many a fellow turns about when he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – you may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than it seems to a faint and faltering man;
often the struggler has given up when he might have captured the victor’s cup;
and he learned too late when the night came down,
how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out – the silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
and when you never can tell how close you are,
it may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit – it’s when things seem worst,
you must not quit.