Years ago my very practical, but deeply spiritual mother gave me a measuring rod that I’ve found most useful. It happened the day, a maid carrying too many dishes, dropped a valuable bowl which shattered to bits. It was irreplaceable, a prized wedding present. Mother did not scold the woman but quietly told her to brush up the pieces & throw them away. I knew from Mother’s face that she felt badly about her lost treasure & I began to sputter my indignation.
“Yes, it’s too bad”, Mother said,” I can never get another bowl like that”, she paused a moment & then added,” But in the light of eternity, what is one bowl?” That was all; the incident was closed for Mother.
But over the years when disasters, large or small, have arisen, I’ve found myself measuring the circumstances with this rod: What is the misfortune in the light of eternity?
