Words of Wisdom from Anne of Green Gables

I didn’t have red hair like Anne Shirley, but I did have curly hair and freckles at a time when straight tresses and a flawless, tanned complexion was the ideal. I never smashed a slate over a boy’s head at school, but I did whack my best friend over the head with a cigar box in a fit of anger. I never read Anne of Green Gables, by Lucy Maude Montgomery, until I was an adult. But as soon as I opened the book and took in the first few words I knew I had discovered a treasure -- and a kindred spirit.

Anne had a talent for getting herself into predicaments. Usually, it was a result of her sometimes overactive imagination. But no matter what happened, there was always some important lesson to learn from the experience. Here are some of my favorites: 

• Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it. Mistakes are inevitable. The only way to never make a mistake is to never do anything -- and that would be a mistake! But no matter how badly you mess up today, there is always tomorrow. The sun will rise again, and you can start anew. Even a completely ruined life can be saved by the grace of God. As the Bible says, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 
• The truth will set you free. Sometimes, there are misunderstandings. Sometimes there is deceit. But in the end, the truth will always be discovered, and things will be made right. Jesus said, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32
• Life's too short to hold grudges. When someone hurts you, it's easy to be angry. But holding on to that anger doesn't make things better. While you are fuming and unhappy, that other person has probably forgotten all about the incident and is enjoying a lovely day. Don't waste your time with bitter grudges. Forgive the offending party, let it go, and move on. The Bible says, Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:26
• You don't make an important call in kitchen clothes. This little gem might seem silly, but it is a matter of respect. Whether you are visiting someone to make an apology (as in Anne's case), or simply meeting for lunch, it's always a nice gesture to try to be presentable. Be considerate and show your appreciation for others. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 
• It's not what the world holds for you, it's what you bring to it. You can spend your life endlessly looking for happiness and complaining about what you don't have, or you can make the best of every opportunity. Just remember, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Colossians 3:23  But most importantly, count your blessings! 

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 118:1