The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words:

"I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow."

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights."

"I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life."

"I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a life."

"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance."

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back."

"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision."

"I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one."

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back."

"I've learned that I still have a lot to learn."

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

"... for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4

My Lord, above all else I desire your life and likeness. Speak to me about the mourning which opens the door to deeper fellowship and oneness with you. Let my mourning be more over separation from you than over the loss or absence of what I want. Cause me to seek what you seek, mourn what you mourn, and love what you love, my King. For then, kept in intimate fellowship with you, I shall have the richest blessing of all -- forever.

  Grant me strength, O Lord.....

We have the power to tolerate anyone and any situation. But tolerance is not just suffering in silence. It means going beyond any personal discomfort you may feel, and giving a gift to whom ever we would tolerate. Give our time, attention, understanding, compassion, care - all are gifts, which paradoxically, we also receive in the process of giving. And, as we do, we will experience our own self esteem and inner strength grow. In this way we can turn tolerance into strength.

  If our reaction to problems is to give up or to go away, it is deceiving ourselves. We will not be able to get rid of the situation by making a physical change because we will find ourselves faced with the same difficulty with someone else or in some other situation.

Instead of trying to change the situation, we need to recognize and transform the weakness that is in us that is causing us trouble in the situation. Once we use this art we will find ourselves enjoying each situation that we are faced with.