DO YOU EVER FEEL OVERWHELMED?

Jim Davidson, Columnist
Jim Davidson, Columnist

Every once in a while I feel completely overwhelmed. Do you ever feel this way? Well, take heart, because this is the case for most people, at least part of the time. When things pile up on us, too many to handle with ease, it is only natural to feel this way.

This happens to me most often when I have a busy, hectic schedule, too many things to do, and not enough hours in the day to get them all done. I am pleased to say that most of the time I am able to work to a point that I know that I have done my best, taken care of the most important things, and then I just trust the Lord to take care of the rest. These are thoughts I had recently when a friend sent me something that really helped place this in perspective. It is titled, “The World Is Mine” by an unknown author. Please read the following thoughts and see if they don’t help you as well.

“Today, upon a bus, I saw a very beautiful woman and wished I were as beautiful. When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle. She had one leg and used a crutch. But as she passed, she passed with a smile. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs; the world is mine.

“I stopped to buy some candy. The lad who sold it had such charm. I talked with him, he seemed so glad. If I were late, it’d do no harm. And as I left, he said to me, ‘I thank you, you’ve been so kind. It’s nice to talk with folks like you.’ You see, he said, ‘I’m blind’. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes; the world is mine.

“Later while walking down the street, I saw a child that I knew. He stood and watched the others play, but he did not know what to do. I stopped a moment and then I said, “Why don’t you join them dear?” He looked around without a word. I forgot, he couldn’t hear. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears; the world is mine.

“With feet to take me where I’d go … with eyes to see the sunset’s glow … with ears to hear what I should know. Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I’ve been blessed indeed, the world is mine.”

If this poem makes you feel thankful, just take a moment and share it with a friend. This is how I received it. After all, it is just a simple reminder that, in most cases, we are blessed with so much for which to be thankful.

Please allow me to pause here for a moment and say “Thank You” for taking your time to read my column, and especially if you are a regular reader who joins me each week to read what I have to share. Over the years, I have had thousands of friends who have been so gracious to write, call, e-mail or tell me in person how much they enjoy my column and look forward to it each week.

Now, back to the purpose for my column today. In addition to the poem “The World Is Mine,” it would be a disservice not to leave you with something more to think about. You know, life is filled with good days and better days. I say this because all days are good days, especially when you consider the alternative. If you are having or have had a rough day, please consider these words by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. The day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on yesteryears.”

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