On Faith, Smile, and Gratitude

From time to time, we all have our down moments. I was organising my files and found this short anonymous poem entitled "Faith." It is congruent to my thoughts as I focus on recent events - when we need those moments of inspiration rather badly, anxious for the morrow, uncertain of more grey hours and days... We can only try to put up with our own challenges. Here's a quote on faith and doubt.

Doubt sees the obstacles,

Faith sees the way.

Doubt sees the darkest night,

Faith sees the day.

Doubt dreads to take a step,

Faith soars on high.

Doubt whispers, "Who believes?"

Faith answers "I".

And speaking of giving more smiles and the "world smiles with you" despite angst and frustrations, comes to mind one of the foremost English writers, J.B. Priestley. He had a huge output of thought-provoking plays, novels and essays.


In the last chapter of his autobiography as an old man, Priestley said:  "I don't know how I stand with the general public, but among my family and friends I have a solid, dark reputation as a inveterate grumbler. However, whatever may be said to the contrary, I don't grumble for grumbling's sake ... I realise that I have had more luck than I ever deserved to have. It is time, before it is too late, that I gave the world more smiles and far fewer scowls, and began thanking God on my knees."

Thanks for the reminder Mr. Priestley.