Our Friend, Abe Lincoln

Abe Lincoln. What a remarkable man. What a wonderful President. We get to celebrate his birthday this week.

If he were here today, I think he would say, "It will be OK."

With his birthday being celebrated on Thursday of this week, I wanted to reflect on some of his reflections.

1. He often told the story of the Eastern Monarch (probably King Solomon from the Old Testament), who called all of the wise men of his kingdom together and charged them to find a statement, that he could hang prominently in his castle, which would be appropriate for any time and for any occasion. They came up with the phrase, "And this too shall pass." It consoles in times of sorrow and it chastises in times of pride.

2. He said that he was often driven to his knees, because the wisdom of all about him was insufficient for the day.

3. His favorite poem reflected on the fact that we are all going to die.

4. His compassion towards nature and men was often reflected in his actions.