Thanks for the congregant who sent me this. Regina Brett in Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote an article listing some of the lessons life has taught her. The following is a slightly edited version which bears reading and remembering:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

Don't take yourself too seriously. No one else does.

You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

It's okay to be angry with God. God can take it.

When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

It's okay to let your children see you cry.

Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

Life is too short for long pity parties.

It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion; today is special.

No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

Always choose life.

Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will.

Stay in touch.

Believe in miracles.

Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

Envy is a waste of time.

The best is yet to come.

Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.