Not always is "rest" a relief. Sometimes rest is forced by harsh circumstances of life. Like a child being sent to bed grumbling, assigned to lie restive on the bottom bunk in a confining set of bunk beds. Not even allowed the top bunk--where late evening sunlight might entertain, dancing on the ceiling--no, the bottom one. The one that makes you feel like you've been put to bed in a box. Sometimes, the nearer life's "springs" look on the calendar, the more distant they appear through the actual back doors of our hopes. Against the discouragement of such moments, the following prayer by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopalian bishop from the 1800's, takes the devotional slot this week. Do not pray for easier lives; Pray to become stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers; Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then your life shall be no miracle, But you shall be a miracle. Every day, you shall wonder At that which is wrought in you By the grace of God. What to do about that unhappy bunk bed confinement? In this cabin, the child's response is inspiring, and affirms the words of Christ in Matthew 21:16 And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
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