Her Sides

With all the saddening news around, it’s very easy to miss out on the beautiful things in the world—simple pleasures like the rays of the sun forming rainbows in a fountain you pass every day. Sometimes, you have to stop and look to really see the joys of life. They’re all around you, little blessings that make you smile. Forget about the troubles engulfing your heart and turning it cold. Look around you. What do you see? At first, you may see a maddening traffic jam that inspires rage in your heart. If you look beyond that, you may see the clouds parting slightly or new rays of sunlight welcoming the day. You may notice birds flying as they search for their meals. As you continue to observe beyond the obvious, you may smell the fresh scent of dew on leaves as the wind rustles the trees around you. You may hear running water flowing in a nearby stream.   As you take in the world, you may begin to appreciate the fact that you’re able to experience this worl...

My dad told me a story—a very funny one, I must say. It wasn’t until I had a good laugh that I got the point of what he was trying to say. I hope you will too. He said that a farmer set out to buy some tools that he would need for the planting season. When he got to the market, he bought a bucket and a basket. On the way to his farm, the bucket and basket conversed between themselves. They were so excited to be on their way to fulfill the purpose for which they had been made. After spending a great deal of time on the market shelves, they were grateful to be off to work. When they reached the farmer’s house, he kept them in his farm shed and went in for a good night’s rest. With the first ray of sunlight, the farmer was dressed and ready to begin his chores. He headed straight for the shed, picked up the bucket, and, without further ado, headed straight for the farm. All day, the bucket was used to irrigate the farm and all day, the basket sat still in the farm shed, awaiting his...