I saw this little parable today and it really spoke to me. It was just posted anon on facebook so I can't quote a source.

"One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!"

I don't like suffering, or hardship, or being mistreated. But I do like finding ways to use them to become stronger, wiser and happier. So I'm adding "be a donkey" to my list of mantras and slogans

I couldn't find my readers today or get to a meeting and although I woke up determined to be a positive program-filled saint today, it deteriorated quickly. I got dressed and went to deliver papers. As son as I was a reasonable distance from home, the sky suddenly opened and drenched me to the bone within minutes, turning the papers into a sodden mess. I persevered for a while trying to deliver them until I realised that a lot of people were going to emerge from their homes when the sun came out and wonder why some-one had paper-mache'd their mail-boxes shut.

So I got cross and marched home an angry wet mess. I got home and changed into dry clothes and then the dog ran inside and shook himself all over me, soaking me again. And I stood there in shocked disbelief saying to him "why would you do that you awful dog? Why did you do that?" And he didn't respond so I turned to my daughter (who was stiffling giggles) and asked "did you see that? Why would he DO that to me? And why are you LAUGHING??? As if I don't have ENOUGH washing to do!!!" 

I was so cross. No wonder she was laughing.

So anyway I sat down at my desk in a huff and reminded myself that I had made a promise to myself to practice my program daily and, at a loss for a way to do it today, I went to youtube and looked up al-anon speakers for he first time and found myself listening to Blanche M. I had heard her mentioned before; no-one had told me she was funny though. I listened for a long time and laughed and cried and then, got on with things with a lighter spirit and a sense of humor.

I'm grateful for this program and the many, many way that we can access it. And for all of you.

(((everyone)))