Before we are required to bear it

I compare the troubles which we have to undergo
in the course of the year to a great bundle of
kindling, far too large for us to lift. But God
does not require us to carry the whole at once.
He mercifully unties the bundle, and gives us
first one stick, which we are to carry today, and
then another, which we are to carry tomorrow, and
so on. This we might easily manage, if we would
only take the burden appointed for each day; but
we choose to increase our troubles by carrying
yesterday's stick over again today, and adding
tomorrow's burden to the load, before we are
required to bear it.
- John Newton