"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Rom. 5:3-4)

There is a story about a old mule who fell into a large well which had no water in it. The farmer said that the mule wasn't worth the trouble it would take to get him out of the well. Also, the well was of no use without water. Thus, he decided to just bury the mule in the well. He called all his friends and neighbors to help him bury the mule. However, every time they threw dirt on the mule, he would "shake it off and step up." They continued throwing dirt and he kept "shaking it off and stepping up." Finally, after many hours of this, the mule stepped out of the well!

When we are battered with things which aggravate and frustrate us, "Shake it off and step up!" Let us remember that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.