Thursday, August 19, 2010

Never Borrow Sorrow


A poem that sums up my mother's philosophy of life is called Never Borrow Sorrow, by Helen Steiner Rice. It seems very fitting now, as we try to deal with the stress of Mom's failing health. Knowing we should enjoy each day we have together is easy, but actually letting go of the worry isn't.

Deal only with the present,

Never step into tomorrow,

For God asks us just to trust Him

And to never borrow sorrow-

For the future is not ours to know

And it may never be,

So let us live and give our best

And give it lavishly-

For to meet tomorrow’s troubles

Before they are even ours

Is to anticipate the Savior

And to doubt His all-wise powers-

So let us be content to solve

Our problems one by one,

Asking nothing of tomorrow

Except “Thy Will be done.”

(Helen Steiner Rice)

2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful picture of you and your mom Carol. I'm glad you are getting to spend some time with her, and I'm sure she is joyful that you and your sister are so close when she is feeling so weak.

    I will be praying for you all that the joys far outweigh the worries
    and the sorrows. And that your mom be delivered from any pain or discomfort.

    I am being reminded again of the scripture verse:
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding
    In all your ways acknowledge Him
    and He shall direct your path. (proverbs 3:5-6)

    Love and blessings.
    Elizabeth
    PS I love HSR's work.

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  2. Elizabeth, the picture was taken on July 26, 2010 at a picnic we hold each year in honor of my mom and dad's anniversary. (They were married over 63 years when he died in 2000.)

    Mom is working hard to increase her strength so she can leave the hospital. She goes to physical and occupational therapy 3 times each day to build up her muscles and endurance, and is keeping a positive attitude. She's probably coping with this crisis better than the rest of the family.

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