A small boy sat on his father’s lap and asked,
”Father, what is life?”
His father became reflective 
and after a long pause said,
”Life is a long journey, my son.
It’s a journey whereby you must
carefully observe the world
around you and grow in
wisdom and understanding
and the ability to serve.
When you see hunger and poverty,
you will learn to show compassion.
When you see fear and hate,
you will discover the power of love.
When you see anger and conflict,
you will find ways to create peace.
Where you see hurt and pain, you will 
teach the healing power of forgiveness.
When you see sadness and despair,
you will inspire hope and vision.
Where you see doubt and distrust,
you will teach the comfort of faith.
This, my son, is part of what 
the journey of life is all about.
May you travel it well.