Today Is The Day!

Brittany Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.  She was 29.  Following her diagnosis and a surgery that removed less than half of her rapidly growing tumor, Brittany made a decision that would catapult her to the forefront of the death with dignity debate.  She chose to move from her home state of California to Oregon where physician-assisted death for terminally ill patients is legal.  At the time, it was against the law in California.  She chose Nov. 1, 2014, as her final day.  While everyone has their own opinion her Brittany’s choice her mother described her daughter’s decision; “When you’re talking about a terminally ill patient, you have to realize that each death takes its own journey. Brittany was having some very difficult symptoms. She woke up and said, ‘Let’s go for a walk.  It was just a beautiful day and I couldn’t help myself.  I asked, ‘Are you sure today is the day?’  A mom always has to do that. And she said, ‘Yeah, Mom, today is the day.” Brittany returned home to her bedroom, where she was joined by family in what she described as the “circle of love.”  She took her medicine and her last breath. 

Most do not wake choosing today as their last day of life on this earth but all can choose how to live today.  God gives us the remarkable choice to decide how we will live each day.  We may not get to pick the circumstances that surround us but we can determine how we respond and react to everything that comes our way.  Scripture gives us bountiful guidance on how to make the most of each day.  Three short verses  in 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 has a mouthful to say on the subject; Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Each day we should make a deliberate decision to rejoice, pray and continually give thanks no matter what the day brings.  This is not only God’s will but it is the best formula for overcoming and turning things around.  Notice the verse did not say to give thanks ‘for’ all things but give thanks ‘in’ all things.  The difference is significant.  We life in a sin-scarred world where evil exists, bad things happen to good people and one cannot possibly be thankful ‘for’ all things.  However, when we place our faith in Christ we can truly find a reason to be thankful ‘in’ all situations.  No matter how bad it gets the worst thing that happens to believers in Christ is that they die and spend eternity in Heaven.  No matter how things seem out of control, unreasonable or unfair in this life, and they often are, this world and life is not the ultimate reality.  Sin, injustice, violence, sickness and even death do not get the last word.  Jesus does.  So in all things, when one’s trust and faith is in Jesus, there is reason to rejoice, pray and be thankful. 

Therefore, I believe the more important issue is not how and when we die but how we live.  One of my favorite movies & books is ‘Lonesome Dove’.  For those unfamiliar it is the story of two Texas Rangers; Captain Augustus "Gus" McCrae and Captain Woodrow F. Call.  Captain Call is the ‘no frills’ hard working driven boss while Gus loves to talk about philosophy with a good humored approach to making the most of every opportunity to enjoy life.  In one of many memorable scenes they are discussing a lady friend of past days.  Call focuses on hear death in the discussion.  Gus becomes frustrated with Call’s perspective and says: “Woodrow, you just don't ever get the point – 'It's not dyin' I'm talkin' about, it's livin'!”  Death comes to all whether we choose the day and way our life ends or let it come whatever way it happens.  The point I’m also trying to make is not about dyin’, it’s about livin’!  So choosing our last day, dying with dignity, may not be as important for most as choosing today to live with dignity.  One does that by making a deliberate decision to live each day and each moment of that day as a time of total love. 

Matthew 22:36-40 teaches us that all of our understanding of God’s direction for our lives can be summed up in what is called the greatest commandment.  Someone asked Jesus, “Teacher, what is the most important commandment in the Law?” Jesus answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments. 

We do not know that we will have tomorrow.  All we have is today; actually this moment of this day is all we really have.  I don’t know if I will live to see sunset today much less sunrise tomorrow.  However, If we make every effort, each moment of each day, to live a life which shows complete, total and passionate love for God and all that is God then today can be our best day whether it is our last day or not.  And if we make every effort, each moment of each day, to live a life which shows complete, total and passionate love to everyone we encounter during the day then today can be our best day whether it is our last day or not.  So whether we will see the sunrise tomorrow or not, let today be the day!

When I'm 64

I confess I have been dwelling in a time of sadness for too long.  I am 64 years old, the age Paul McCartney wrote about pondering his relevance in old age asking his loved one “will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm sixty-four?”  By the way Paul McCartney wrote that song as a young teenager.  At that young age 64 indeed seemed ancient.  Paul McCartney is ten years older than me.  Now at age 74, and still preforming, he is obviously still feeling quite needed and feeding himself rather well a decade past the age that he, as a young teenager, thought would be clearly past the age of being relevant.   Ah the way our perspective changes with maturity.  When I was a young teenager with far less musical talent that Paul McCartney I could not dreamed I would have the life I can look back on now at age 64. 

I have had a truly wonderful life that has been far beyond anything the shy little boy from Columbus, MS could have ever imagined.  Even at the ripe old age of 64, I am actually in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in.  I have been blessed with an incredible family.  I have a wife who loves me more than her own life.  My children have grown to be wonderful independent and successful women.  At 64 I still feel needed (especially when my technology challenged wife is trying to do something on the computer) and I do a more than adequate job of feeding myself, so why the sadness? 

Well, I must confess that there are times when I do miss some of the days gone by.  I grew up in a small town that seemed to me like growing up in Mayberry; innocent, safe and fun.  I was blessed to grow up in one of the most loving and nurturing homes I have seen.  My parents modeled true love and joy in their lives as long as they lived.  I miss talking to them.  I am extremely proud of the women my girls have grown up to be, but I miss having them running around the house.  I have been blessed to have a mother and father-in-law who loved me like one of their own.  However, it saddens me to see daily increasing ways that Alzheimer's, cancer and other ailments rob them of life. 

As a pastor for nearly 40 years I stood and shared with grieving families in enough hospital rooms, nursing homes and gravesides where it was hard not to be sad even when I proclaimed (and still believe in the hope of Christ).  I have traveled to 5 of the 7 continents ministering and proclaiming the love and hope of the Gospel.  I have had glorious experiences beyond my dreams and have met wonderful inspirational brothers and sisters in the faith all around the world.  My many years and vast experiences have allowed me to experience the roller coaster of emotions in this life. 

I have discovered that even with the belief of abundant and eternal life that is the heart of the Gospel, there can be an overwhelming sadness that creeps into every life.  I have witnessed and experienced the reality of the great evil and injustice in this world.  Evil exists.  Evil, hate, bigotry will always be in this life creating sadness.  A small child taught me that EVIL is LIVE spelled backwards.  The key is to reverse EVIL and LIVE. 

Psalm 104 has been a ‘go to’ scripture for me since the days of my youth.  When I have times of despair or when sadness creeps in it is important to be reminded who is in control, who created and is still managing things according to His plan.  Go there as often as you can. 

In that same mood Mary Oliver wrote a poem, entitled The Summer Day where she ponders the uniqueness of life and in the simple everyday items of God’s wonderful world brimming with life, unique creatures…and death.  She closes with the question that makes the point that much of how we enjoy or despair in life is dependent on our own decision concerning what we plan to do with our one wild and precious life. 

Who made the world?

Who made the swan, and the black bear?

Who made the grasshopper?

This grasshopper, I mean-the one who has flung herself out of the grass,

the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,

who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-

who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.

Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.

Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.

I don't know exactly what a prayer is.

I do know how to pay attention,

how to fall down into the grass,

how to kneel down in the grass,

how to be idle and blessed,

how to stroll through the fields,

which is what I have been doing all day.

Tell me, what else should I have done?

Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Yes, there is wondrous life all around us.  There is also death that comes to all and often seemingly too soon.  So in the midst of it all it is up to us to decide how we will spend our one wild and precious life.  My dad had a plaque on his desk that read, “For every second you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”  The same is true with sadness or any other emotion that robs you of joy.  One may not be able to ward off the emotions that come our way but it is up to us to keep them from settling in and making themselves at home in our lives.  You cannot keep the birds from flying overhead but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.  So, make a deliberate daily decision to live in the enjoyment of the simple pleasures of God’s unique world. 

I could be handy, mending a fuse when your lights have gone. You can knit a sweater by the fireside, Sunday mornings go for a ride. Doing the garden, digging the weeds, who could ask for more? Will you still need me; will you still feed me, when I'm sixty-four?

Pastor, how should I vote?

Recently a member of my former church called and asked, “Pastor, I am troubled with this presidential election.  Both candidates have major moral flaws.  You taught us to always look to scripture for guidance.  Could you direct me to a scripture to help me decide how to vote?”  First, I was delighted that I was remembered as one who taught people to look to scripture for guidance.  Second, I think this was the first time in 36 years as a pastor I had been asked about political advice.  As a minister of the Gospel I always made it a strong point to publicly stay out of politics, for several reasons.  First and foremost, my call was to proclaim and share the truth of the message of Jesus.  That often meant speaking frankly on moral issues but I wanted to make every effort that my message and life pointed people to the unifying love of Christ.  Especially from the pulpit I steered clear of discussions on sports and politics as they can be and often are divisive.  I wanted people to know I was for Jesus.  I carefully stayed away from political arguments whether secular or religious (oh yes, Virginia, politics exists in the church).  People knew I my religious loyalty and preferences were more Biblical than denominational. They were also left to wonder about my sports and political preferences. But, keen eyed visitors to my office could notice a well-worn customized cowbell with a motorcycle jelly grip handle from my college days.      

However, nearly a year after my retirement as their pastor, I had a former member who still respected my guidance as their pastor as they were truly troubled and seeking help.  I told him while there is no specific scriptural ‘voter guide’ the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 2:1-3; I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

Jesus was born into a world of evil, corrupt and immoral leaders that would make our current political climate seem G Rated.  He was (and still is) more interested in changing individual hearts than political leaders.  The Gospel message of love, grace and forgiveness has thrived no matter the political climate.  History has shown God often used corrupt leaders to accomplish His purpose from the time of Moses until today.  I think that tactic really infuriates the Evil One.  While many have tried, no political leader in history has been able to snuff out the movement of the Gospel.  They have persecuted and martyred faithful followers of Christ throughout the years but the movement of God has never been stopped.  His will is always accomplished.  In fact, the Gospel has often thrived best in times of political persecution. 

So while each election can be an important one, pleasing God is still the priority.  Each person has to vote according to their conscience.  My advice was (and is) this; vote in a manner that will allow you to have a clear conscience before God.  If there is no candidate on the ballot who allows you to make that choice write in one that does, whether the write in is ‘Jesus’ or ‘None of the Above’.  That will allow you to exercise your civic duty as a voter, then follow 1 Timothy 2:1-3 as you continually pray for all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Voting is important.  It is not only a civic duty but a right and responsibility that has been provided to us by the blood and sacrifice of lives many who have gone before us.  It is a privilege that many around the world do not have.   So pray and vote.  Then pray for all who are in authority. 

However, never forget that our real hope is not in a political leader, party or philosophy.  Our hope is in the unifying love, forgiveness and grace of Christ.  In all things let that love, forgiveness and grace bring you together with your fellowman.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior (who, I think, approves this message). 

Precious, Fragile and Fleeting

Yesterday Cathy and I took her dad to the doctor and returned home on our usual route, down Highway Church Road as we have done countless times in visits to her parents’ home over the years.  Who knows how many times she has commented on how fast the people drive down this road as they seem to ignore the speed limit.  The road tops a hill where Highway Pentecostal Holiness Church sits to the right when you are traveling east, as we do on our way home.  The peak of the hill is the only place where you cannot see oncoming traffic until they are upon you.  Often we have been startled to meet a car speeding over the hill arriving at the peak of the Highway Church hill.  We passed this point around 5:20 pm yesterday (that is significant).  Cathy’s father had remarked about the 5 pm traffic as we took him home.  If you have not become bored with these facts and quit reading already, hang on, I share this non-exciting account of our journey home yesterday for a reason. 

This morning I read in the paper where a fatal head on collision occurred on Highway Church Road at 5:22 pm yesterday.  A woman and her child were heading east, only a couple of minutes behind Cathy and me.  I told you the time of 5:20 was significant.  She topped the same hill that often hides oncoming traffic to meet a speeding car in her lane.  She died instantly.  Her son is in the hospital and should survive but his life will never be the same. 

As I read about this automobile accident my heart went out to those involved.  I was also immediately reminded that Cathy and I had passed that same spot only a few minutes earlier.  Only a couple of minutes and what a world of difference; one family will grieve the loss of a wife & mother for the rest of their days while we made it home to another ‘uneventful’ evening.  One rarely knows how a minute or two can make such a difference in life or death.  Life can turn in an instant.  My mother died in mid-sentence talking with my dad at age 68.  She was healthier at 68 than I am at 64.  My own life was miraculously preserved 17 years ago.   Our doctor told Cathy, “You don’t know how close you came to waking one morning to find that Bill died in his sleep.  His situation is usually discovered in the autopsy as we wonder why someone his age died so suddenly.’ For more on that event go to the article I wrote on Monday, February 21, 2011 entitled, “Ten Years Later”.   The point, once again, is to remember that each breath could be the last.  In fact one breath will indeed be the last, we just never know when.  Therefore make each breath count.  Use it to say good, kind and loving things.  You may not get another chance.  

Before I retired I often made the point in sermons and funerals about how life is precious, fragile and fleeting.  Each one of us is a unique creation of God.  There has never been anyone like us in the past and will never be in the future.  That is why each life, each individual, is irreplaceable.  We must never take any life for granted.  It can never be replaces.  We must remember to love one another with grace that allows each one to reach their full potential in this life.  This is the only chance we get to walk in this world. 

Again, in my years as a minister, I was with many people and families in times of death.  The saddest situations involved a life ending with regret. It is tragic how often one will know they are on their death bead and express sorrow for things not done or not done as well as they could have been.  The best way to avoid regret is to take care of those things now.  Forgive immediately, forget quickly, do whatever it takes to live in peace with others, live without fear, and chase your dream with passion. 

The experiences mentioned above are my daily reminders that every day is a precious, fragile and fleeting gift from God.  I already knew that but waking this morning to discover that we were only moments ahead of a fatal accident made me go back and have a greater appreciation for another ordinary evening yesterday.  Tonight Cathy and I will probably do what we normally do most nights.  We will have dinner, sit outside and watch the birds until sundown then read and try to stay awake until 9:30.  I know it is does not sound thrilling but there will come a day when, whatever you do with your time, it all comes to an end.  I used John 10:10 as my text the first time I preached in a church.  Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”  Make Him proud of how you live the life He gave you and fulfill His purpose in coming. 

Live abundantly!

Soar On Wings Like Eagles

I had just returned from a getaway in the mountains where we could not get internet or cell phone service.  I regret that we did find enough gasoline to return home.  I was actually silently wishing we would run our of gas and have to stay but one can’t have everything.  There is something about getting away to the quiet, strong solitude of the mountains to settle the spirit.  Have you noticed how often Jesus went to the mountains for times of prayer and spiritual refreshment or retreat?  If he needed to get away from the everyday hassle of life to renew his spirit how much of that lesson should we learn from the master teacher?  I share the following pictures and thoughts with you from two of my mountain experiences.

The first is the morning mist of the mountains of North Carolina that greeted me during the week.  I was reminded of Psalm 121:1-3 “I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber.”  The hills show the solid strength of God.  The mountain air seems to offer wonderful relaxing sleep.  The worries that often keep us up tossing and turning preventing restful sleep seemed to dissolve as when we lift our eyes to the hills remembering that our help comes from the Lord.  Sleep, rest and peace come when we give our worries to God trusting Him to solve them according to His perfect wisdom and will.  I once read of a old man who said he never lost sleep worrying at night, “cause God promised to be up watchin’ all night anyway, no sense in both of us stayn’ up so I go on to sleep!”

The second picture is from an Elk hunt in the Colorado with some friends many years ago.  The hunt was nothing to write home about anyway, while I love the outdoors and nature I am not much of a hunter.  I never thought there was much sport in sneaking up on animals with overpowering long-range rifles.  The only real hunting or fishing I do happens when I hit the golf ball in the woods or water.  Sorry about that but I could not help myself.  Anyway, as the more serious hunters went up one mountain seeking their wild game while I took my four-wheeler and sought other adventure on another mountain.  I found a Rocky Mountain peak and spent some time with the Lord of the Universe.  While there I looked up (which is a good place to look when conversing with God) and noticed an eagle high above the mountains.  I was fascinated by the heights he had attained.  Here I was several thousand feet above sea level but that majestic eagle was soaring over the snow capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains.  Immediately I thought of a favorite verse from Isaiah 40:31; “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  The Hebrew language of this verse is literally a picture of putting on God’s strength as a garment to gain HIS strength rather than gaining a second wind of your own. 

As I watched the eagle for nearly an hour I noticed the eagle never flapped his wings once, such is the nature of effortless soaring.  His lofty flight was not due to his effort but the powerful upward draft of the winds from the mountain peaks.  There was the word from the Father and the lesson!  For much of my life I have been like a sparrow, busily flapping my arms in my own efforts to soar.  Sparrows do not soar and never get the majestic view from the soaring heights of the eagle.  Jesus describes the life of born again believers in John 3:8 like this, “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."    Relying on our abilities, wisdom or strength to lift us will never allow us to reach the heights God intends.  In fact it will keep us grounded more than allowing us to soar.  

My Father continues to remind me to put on his strength daily to find the resources to soar in life.  He also reminds me to stop ‘flapping my wings’ of personal effort and spread my wings to let the ‘wind of the Spirit' take me to heights that I never could imagine!   It was good to getaway and have those reminders again.  I hope they help you soar in the days ahead also!

Unforced Rhythms of Grace

I have been in a hurry most of my life; even when I didn’t need to rush, even when I was not aware that I was in a hurry.  I never learned to crawl as a baby.  I started walking at 6 months.  I never knew how to stroll.  I would try but a brisk walk rapidly evolved.  It has been my unconscious pace for most of my days.  I have been called ‘driven’, whatever that means, even though I always thought of myself as a person who sought to be void of personal ambition according to the teachings of Jesus.  However, my DNA seems to make it hard for me to sit and relax (more on that in a moment).  I tried meditation, which was a joke.  As I began trying to focus on emptying my mind I nearly passed out from trying to decide what the best mantra was.  I have all the initials; OCD, ADDHD, ETC.  My brain is obsessively and hyperactively churning.  It may not always be productive thought but there are usually so many thoughts and opinions bouncing around in my fat head that I am shocked that I have not invented something wonderful to change the world.  Hmm, let me think about that a little longer. 

I also tried golf as an activity to relax.  They say that golf reveals the soul.  I enjoyed the outdoor activity but I found myself growing impatient as playing partners too so long to contemplate hitting the next shot.  When I said, “Guys, I think you can miss them a lot quicker.” it did not make me a popular playing partner.  My wakeup call came when one of my best friends said, “OK, what other fun do you want to hurry up and get finished with today?” I realized that I was rushing through the round to see what score I would get rather than taking time to enjoy the game.  That translated into a revelation that I was rushing through life rather than enjoying the journey. 

As I pondered this condition and his statement I recall memories of my mother never sitting long.  She would always find something to clean, arrange or check on whether it needed it or not.  I once tried to talk to her about slowing down and relaxing to which she tearfully replied, “I don’t know how!”  My golf buddy’s quote reminded me of one Thanksgiving when we were still sitting around the living room trying to digest the feast mother worked so hard to prepare when she asked, “What do you want for supper?” I grew up in Mississippi; we ate breakfast, dinner and supper.  I said, “Mother sit down we are still stuffed from lunch!” She replied, “Well, I want to go ahead and get supper over with!” And there it was, the same behavior my golfing buddy hit me with right between the eyes!  I needed an attitude adjustment or I was going to rush through life and miss the joy of the journey. 

Every action of Jesus had intention and purpose; therefore it is not coincidence that Jesus was born in a time and culture that still goes at a pace that drives Americans crazy.  They say, “You have a watch but I have time!” Jesus speaks to the results of a breakneck philosophy of life that wears us out rather than initiates joy in Matthew 11:28-30.  This was a passage I had memorized early in my life but the reading from the Message opened a new insight as it said; “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

The unforced rhythms of grace seemed to leap off the page at me.  I have been living my life much like my golf game, hurrying to see what score I could achieve, when I needed to enjoy the round and let the score take care of itself.  The unforced rhythms of grace was the central teaching of Jesus letting me (us) know that our faith (a life of keeping company with Him) is the way to live freely and lightly.  The walk with Jesus is not one where we need to ‘achieve to receive’ or earn His joy and love.  Read the passage again, slowly letting each word and teaching soak deeply into your soul and see what He says to you as you slow down, walk with Him, watch then learn as you enjoy the journey:

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Look for the Pony

I have always tried to have a philosophy of life that seeks to look for the positive side of any event.  I probably inherited some of that from my parents.  One cannot choose one’s parents but I was blessed to have a mom & dad who grew up in difficult times and learned to make the best of things.  Life can be difficult in this sin-scarred world.  Mankind ushered sin, disease, evil, destruction & decay into this world with our decision to disobey God and try our own ideas.  That is a sermon on original sin that will be for another day.  Today I want to focus on turning things around in a world that can throw us a curve ball or a punch in the gut without any warning, rhyme or reason. 

Years ago I ran across a story that gave me my catch phrase to help me make the most of the moment, no matter what came my way.  The phrase that reminds me to make the best of a difficult situation is, “Look for the pony!”  Now I know there are great Bible verses to give the same result.  I have preached, taught and memorized them for regular use.  However, this one has become a favorite; perhaps because the story that leads to “Look for the pony!” usually brings a smile to my face because it is slightly humorous and a little irreverent.  For that reason I never shared it in a Bible study or sermon.  However, I am not preaching or teaching even though I do think there is sound theology behind the phrase.

The story goes like this; Once upon a time (that is not really how it starts but you have to admit it is a good beginning for stories).  Behavior scientists have always been fascinated with twins as study object for human behavior.  A set of identical twins was selected for a particular study because in spite of being identical twins their behavior and attitude could not be more different.  One was always smiling and having fun.  The other was always sad, cross and grumpy.  The study consisted of taking the twin with the bad attitude and placing him in an environment that should bring joy to any child.  He was placed in a toy store and told he could play with and have any and all the toys he wanted.  The happy twin was placed in a dirty old empty smelly barn in the middle of a pasture.  They would be observed and see how they responded to the environments that differed from their normal personality.

Virtually any child placed in a toy store with permission to play and keep any and all toys they desired would have a field day playing with and enjoying the toys.   However, the twin was observed simply sitting with a dejected look in the midst of toy heaven.  After much time passed with no change or observed desire to move out of the dejected negative attitude and behavior the child was asked, “Why didn’t you try to have fun and play with the toys?”  He gloomily responded, “If I had played with any of the toys they would probably have broken or something would have gone wrong so what’s the point?” The behavior scientists concluded the results of the study on this child showed that environment is not the key in changing a philosophy of life. 

The observation on the happy child placed in the old empty smelly barn in the middle of a pasture was quite different.  This boy detected immediately that much of the smell was from horse manure, a common odor in a barn.  Instead of moving away from the unpleasant element causing the foul smell he progressed toward the manure getting close enough to slip causing his clothes to become stained with manure.  This brought a bigger smile and a more rapid advance toward larger piles.  It seemed the more manure he encountered the wider the smile became.  Finally the experiment was halted as there was concern that he had become emotionally unbalanced.  What normal child finds increasing joy in larger exposure to horse manure?  When asked if about his strange behavior he responded, “With this much manure there has got to be a pony close by.  I am looking for the pony!”

The difference does not depend on the environment but on the way you set your attitude.  Life will have its ups and downs.  The difference is the attitude we choose no matter the circumstance.  So, no matter what you think of the story, as the difficulties of life seem to pile up on you remember to; LOOK FOR THE PONY!