Why Should I Grieve Because of a Thorn?

Why should I grieve because of a thorn?
Once it had made laughter known to me.
Whatever you lost through the stroke of destiny, know it was to save you from adversity.
One small affliction keeps off greater afflictions; one small loss prevents greater losses.

-Rumi, "Mathnawi"

...This Week, The Statement Arrives...

"Last week, America ran up the credit card. This week, the statement arrives."

- Yahoo News story on President Obama's first state of the union address