Never Despair!

In my old Bible is an index card that I have kept since college days. On it is written something I knew I would need over and over.

"Never despair; but if you do, work on in despair."

There will always be times that you don't think there is a lot of hope.

 And you'll feel like you're being snowballed...

 from every side.

And it will feel like there is no way out.

 All you will be able to see is the pile of work, or the problems,

or the pile of mess--

55 coats, mittens and boots, most of which don't belong to you.

 That is when you have to just keep putting one step ahead of the other,

and keep cooking and cleaning and praying and trusting and washing laundry and sewing.

 When life gets too dreary, sit down and play your favorite song on the piano.

 When the notes don't sound right, keep practicing.

 When you are sure your life is not as happy as you want it to be, join some other families and

go spread some cheer to someone else who is less fortunate.

 You  can choose whether to go around with a frown or a smile.

 Put on a hat and join the busload of young people going to Christian Aid Ministries, and help bag flour for needy families across the ocean.

 

Be thankful you don't have to depend on boxes of food from CAM to feed your children or yourself.

 And pitch in to help clean up the floury mess so the person behind you won't slip.

 And just go ahead and make some extra pies.

 When you despair because you cannot seem to find the right words 

to fix the Scrabble in your life, maybe it is okay to try silence.

 And just  remember that the roses will bloom again.

 Just look at the beauty in the people around you...

 and don't despair that they are all against you.

They aren't.

 When you feel forsaken, open your heart to the next person who will come alongside you.

 And before long, you will be surrounded with friends,

 and those who love you,

 and all those who are behind you rooting for you!

 Remember that you are loved.

 When the world turns its back on you, and walks out,

that's when the real friends walk in.

 Remember you are loved.

Remember you are loved!

Remember you are loved!