Worries

A wayfarer carried a heavy sack about which he complained unceasingly. From
none could he get help or comfort.

And as he slowly journeyed, groaning under his burden, the Angel of Optimism
came to him and spoke kindly, saying Brother, what does thou carry The man
answered surlily, My worries.

The angel smiled pityingly upon him and said, Let us look into thy burden
and examine thy worries. And so they looked in. But lo! the sack was empty.

Why surely, cried the man, there were two great worries, too heavy for me to
bear. But-ah, yes, I had forgot-one was a worry of yesterday, and so it is
gone.

And the other That - that was a worry of tomorrow, and it - it has not yet
come.

Then the angel smiled with infinite pity, saying Hearken! He who bows
himself down under the worries of yesterday and tomorrow wears himself out
for naught. But he who carries only the worries of today has no need of a
sack for his sorrows. If thou will cast this black thing aside, and give all
thy strength and cheer and courage to the things of today, real misfortune
never can burden thee.

Wondering, the man did as the angel commanded. And as he took up his journey
and went lightly, swiftly on, his heart and his hands were free to relieve
many a brother wayfarer of his burden and to pluck sweet fruits and flowers
along the wayside.

And when he came at last to the setting of the sun it was with smiles and a
song.