Sometimes I’m happy 
               about life, 
               about myself, 
               about people around me who matter.

Other times, I’m lonely, 
                   sad, 
                    worried about people who matter to me. 

I worry about my place in this world, 
                    in my family, 
                    in my friendships.

Worries make me tired.
I lose energy and friendships when I worry.
Then, people tell me that I look terrible, 
               and that I should cheer up.

On days like that, 
     I have a formula I follow that works every time.

I listen to music. 
     I call a friend.  
     I visit a special place.
     I look on the news or in the mall 
                         for someone who is worse off than I.

I never take pleasure in seeing someone else worse off.
I simply remind myself that 
     God has given me just enough of what I need to manage my life.
     Just enough 
          music, 
          friends, 
          special places, 
          and 
          challenges.  

It's hard to remember that 
               this is earth, 
               not heaven, 
                    yet.

But if God can live here,
               so can I.