Helen Keller’s Formula for Living Well in Hard Times

Helen Keller said, “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.”

Well, yes and no.

I read her autobiography and saw the play and movie based upon her story, The Miracle Worker. The idea of being plunged into a sightless and soundless world so young – and being unable to communicate except in rages – made an impression. The power of persistent and patient love – Annie Sullivan’s — also left an indelible impression.

But the times in which I grew up, and my own silly self-centeredness were bigger impressers.

formula
A Formula

Me, myself and I were certain success and happiness were around the corner – the next step after an education, a good job, romance, a fine house, spiffy car, and big bank account. Living happily ever after seemed like one more right I would in turn claim.

My success and happiness on any given day of the week depend on mydecision to plug into a source of power I could never have chosen without His power.

I don’t understand it any better than I understand how electricity was discovered and harnessed. But I depend on both, and am in the dark when I unplug the lamp cord or myself!

He’s sovereign and I am responsible.

It’s a proposition that is either a stepping-stone or a stumbling block. For me, though, it is not a set and forget source of power.

Making a daily decision to trust and obey my Higher Power replenishes my joy, and so, then my happiness. No, I am not deaf and dumb to the troubles surrounding me.  On the contrary, the quiet contentment that since God rules, and not me, means I [can] have a better shot at being useful in these times than I ever had before.  (Isaiah 30:15)

Just for Today

“There’s nothing wrong or evil about having a bad day. There’s everything wrong with making others have to have it with you.” —Neil Cavuto

How goes it with you, dear reader? Thank you for your time!

Love in Christ,

Clean and Sober

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Helen Keller’s Formula for Living Well in Hard Times
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