When I Whine

I’ve always found inspiration reading stories about or meeting people who have faced challenges and overcame them. I recently read the following and wanted to pass it along:

Forgive Me When I Whine, by Red Foley

Today upon a bus, I saw a lovely maid with golden hair; I envied her - she seemed so gay - and oh, I wished I were so fair.  When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle, She had one foot and wore a crutch, but as she passed, a smile. Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two feet - the world is mine.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets, the lad who served me had such charm; He seemed to radiate good cheer, his manner was so kind and warm. I said, "It’s nice to deal with you, such courtesy I seldom find."  He turned and said, "Oh, thank you, sir!" And I saw that he was blind.  Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two eyes - the world is mine.

Then, when walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue. He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do, I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don’t you join the others, dear?"  He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew; he could not hear.  Oh, God, forgive me when I whine; I have two ears - the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I’d go, with eyes to see the sunset’s glow,  With ears to hear what I should know: I’m blessed indeed, the world is mine;  Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

Here’s the way I see it: Next time you focus on insignificant problems, think about Mr. Foley’s poem and remember how truly blessed you are.