Don't let the puddles get you down.

This afternoon I walked in annual CROP walk o raise money for world hunger. I love to walk so it gave me a great excuse to get out there and do something. It was a great day and I had fun but I'll never forget the one year when I was walking down the street when a car went by and splashed me by driving through a big puddle. I got soaked. I remember thinking to my self, "How could God let that happen when I am doing something virtuous?"

Of course I caught myself before I traveled too far down that path. We all know that bad things happen to good people and the scriptures point out that the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. But we do like to think that if we are doing everything right, if we engage in benevolent actions, we will be protected from trial and trouble. Experience tells us differently.

The truth is that virtue is its own reward. When we do something worthwhile or good we will be blessed. We know in our hearts that we have risen above our selfish desires and touched someone else's life. That is what makes life meaningful.

So my word for you today is to shake off the puddles that fly up in your face and forge ahead with the call to love and serve the Lord. In doing so you will receive far more blessings than curses. That will make it all worthwhile.

Cal