One of the teachers at a stress seminar said that when she drives, she enjoys being stopped by red traffic lights, so she can give herself some 'Cecily time'. Another friend delights when he loses something, because of all the other discoveries he makes while looking for it!

These are little irritations. In my counseling practice I occasionally come across someone who has suffered enormously and unexpectedly, but is handling life with dignity and even with joy. The sickness, or financial setback, or accident, or family upset is turned into something constructive.

One person is bedridden, but has learned the rich secrets of intercessory prayer. Another is a quadriplegic, but paints with a brush in his mouth.

Another has lost a nine-year-old daughter with leukemia, and thanks God for lending that beautiful child to their family for nearly a decade!

Whatever this day brings - joy or sorrow, serenity or uninvited irritations - I will praise you, my Lord and my God. Amen.