We often lose the happiness of to-day by brooding over the sorrows of
yesterday or fearing the troubles of to-morrow. This is exceedingly
foolish. There is always _some_ pleasure at hand; seize it, and at no
time will you be without pleasure. You cannot change the past, but your
spirit at this moment will in some measure shape your future. Live life,
therefore, in the present tense; do not miss the joys of to-day.
Sure, this world is full of trouble--
I ain't said it ain't.
Lord! I've had enough, an' double,
Reason for complaint.
Rain an' storm have come to fret me,
Skies were often gray;
Thorns an' brambles have beset me
On the road--but, say,
Ain't it fine to-day?
What's the use of always weepin',
Makin' trouble last?
What's the use of always keepin'
Thinkin' of the past?
Each must have his tribulation,
Water with his wine.
Life it ain't no celebration.
Trouble? I've had mine--
But to-day is fine.
It's to-day that I am livin',
Not a month ago,
Havin', losin', takin', givin',
As time wills it so.
Yesterday a cloud of sorrow
Fell across the way;
It may rain again to-morrow,
It may rain--but, say,
Ain't it fine to-day!
_Douglas Malloch._