Words to live by

In addition to "The Blind Men and the Elephant," the following anecdotes have shaped my approach to life:

The phone began ringing during a visit to a friend's basement workshop. Since the owner didn't seem inclined to answer it, a question seemed in order. "Aren't you going to answer that?"
"Nope. I had it installed for my convenience and it ain't convenient for me to answer it right now."

AND

During the preacher's visit, talk turned to favorite Bible passages. The old man finally agreed to give his. It wasn't a whole verse but it's found several times in The Book. "It came to pass . . . "
When the preacher appeared confused the old fella explained. "Don't ya see, it didn't come to stay. It came to pass. Surrounded by bad times? Don't worry they didn't come to stay. Enjoying good times? Don't get too comfortable, they're temporary, too."