A GRATEFUL HEART

Today in the bus, I saw a girl with lovely hair. I envied her. She seemed so happy and I wished I was as fair. When suddenly she arose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle. She had only one leg, but with a crutch, she passed a smile. “Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two legs and Thou art mine.” Then I stopped to buy some sweets and the boy that sold them had such charm. I talked to him - he seemed so glad. If I were late it would do no harm. As I left, he said to me: “I thank you sir, you have been so kind. It's a pleasure to talk to folk like you, you see, I am blind.” “Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two eyes and I am Thine.” Later, walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue. She stood and watched the others play and knew not what to do. I stopped a moment and then I said: Why don't you join the others, dear?” She looked ahead, but without a word. I knew she could not hear. “Oh God, forgive me when I whine. I have two ears and the sun doth shine.” - Selected