Some years ago a Christian merchant failed in business, and in a state of distraction, said to his family,
“I’m a ruined man, I’ve lost my all.”
“All!” said his wife, “no, I am left.”
“All, papa” said his oldest son; “here am I”
“And I too,” said his little girl, running and putting her arms round his neck.
“I’m not lost, papa,” said Eddie.
“And you have your health left,” repeated his wife.
“And your hands to work with, and I can help you,” said his eldest son.
“And you have your two feet, papa, to carry you about, and your two eyes to see with,” said little Eddie.
“And you have God’s promises,” said the grandmother.
“And a good God,” said the wife.
“And a Heaven to go to,” said the little girl.
“And Jesus, Who died to take us there,” said the eldest boy.
“God forgive me,” said the poor merchant, bursting into tears, “I have not lost my all. What have I lost compared with what I have left!”
And so he took comfort, and started afresh in the strength of the Lord, casting all his care upon Him, Who so lovingly cares for all His children.
ML 12/24/1939