Stress and Tests

Cheerfulness Taught By Reason

I think we are too ready with complaint
In this fair world of God's. Had we no hope
Indeed beyond the zenith and the slope
Of yon gray blank of sky, we might grow faint
To muse upon eternity's constraint
Round our aspirant souls; but since the scope
Must widen early, is it well to droop,
For a few days consumed in loss and taint ?
O pusillanimous Heart, be comforted
And, like a cheerful traveller, take the road
Singing beside the hedge. What if the bread
Be bitter in thine inn, and thou unshod
To meet the flints ? At least it may be said
' Because the way is short, I thank thee, God. '

--Elizabeth Barret Browning


There are times when all we can hold on to is the hope, the belief, indeed, the prayer that the way is short, and that certain things have come to pass and not to last. It is this sentiment which spurs me forward and gives me strength to face what I fear with courage and determination.

How do you feel about the end of the year tests and the low season?