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Counting Blessings, Not Sufferings
By Michael K. Jones 

As many of us know by now back in June a bus load of 34 American pilgrims traveling from Sarajevo to Medjugorje ended down a 40 foot ravine in a river. The accident was the result of a propane truck that jackknifed in front of the tour bus. Though many injuries resulted, the injured passengers are counting their blessings.

Considering the seriousness of the accident, the pilgrims’ spiritual advisor Fr. Rick Wendell believes the fact no one died is a miraculous event.  Mary Ann Hupfer a native of West Bend Indiana agrees things could have been far worse.

Fitted with a body cast at Sarajevo Hospital from a broken back, Mary Ann Hupfer claims it is a miracle her spinal chord wasn’t severed because she crawled from the crash site to the road. Now back in the U.S. Hupfer has been fitted with a high tech device called a metal halo brace. The most serious case is Andy Meier who did suffer a broken back. He is paralyzed.

For those who have not traveled to Medjugorje the road is best described as a two lane road, one lane heading in each direction. The overall trip is much like driving on a road carved out on the outer edge of a mountain. The depth off the side of this road more often than not well exceeds the 40 foot section where the accident took place. For those of us who have been seated on the side of the busses that face the edge of the road, it can be frightening just to look out the bus window.

Throughout life it seems most of us face many horrible sufferings of one kind or another. It is not always easy to overcome the struggles that take us by storm. Even so, it seems somehow those of great faith always seem to see the glass as being half full instead of half empty. In this those of strong faith count their blessing far more than their sufferings.

 ^{MT 11:28} "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

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