Life's Little Disturbances

"I suppose they are a necessary part of the whole providential plan by which God molds and fashions and tempers the human soul, just as my petty but incessant household cares are. If I had nothing to do but love my husband and my children and perform for them, without obstacle or hindrance, the sweet ideal duties of wife and mother, how content I should be to live always in this world! But what would become of me if I were not called , in the pursuit of these duties and in contact with real life, to bear restless nights, ill health, unwelcome news, the faults of  [others], contempt, ingratitude of friends, my own failings, lowness of spirits, the struggle in overcoming my corruption, and a score of kindred trials! Bishop Wilson charges us to bear all  things "as unto God" and with "greatest privacy". How seldom I have met them save as lions in my way that I woudl avoid if I could, and how I have tormented my friends by tedious complains about them!"
~Stepping Heavenward