Be a Cork

Recently, I reviewed a speech by Richard G. Scott, a wise religious leader. His topic was "Finding Joy In Life." He suggested that, "Some people are like rocks thrown into a sea of problems. They are drowned by them. Be a cork. When submerged in a problem, fight to be free to bob up to serve again with happiness."

This analogy fits mothers, who, by the very nature of their work, must travel on a river that is subject to changing currents, unpredictable twists and turns, all sorts of weather, deep water and even dramatic falls and rapids. As problems arise, it's tempting to get weighed down like the rock and quickly sink to the bottom of the river. There, we can safely nestle with other rocks who nurture their problems in the cold, wet, stable darkness of discouragement.

Other moms may approach challenges like sponges. They are cast upon the river and float joyfully along for a time. They have a strong desire to "fit in" and "be one" with their environment, so . . . as they journey along the river, they begin to soak up more water than they can carry. Eventually, they are swamped and swallowed by the very elements they were so intent upon "fitting in" to.

Then, there are mothers who are corks. They are on the same river as the others, but they are buoyant and light-hearted. Strong currents may pull them under from time to time, and they travel in rain, snow and sleet as well as in sunshine. Yet . . . they always pop up, travel with the flow of the river and adapt to whatever changes the river presents with unsinkable courage and resilience. They remain constant and faithful to eternal principles and know that God is near to hold them up no matter what challenging circumstances they may face.

I am privileged to have some of these young and old "corks" as my dear friends. I want to be just like them.