Do your misfortunes shake your beliefs, hopes, and dreams? Do you harbor doubt, fear, anger, and resentment because of your current life story?
The more I talk with people, the more I recognize we share the same burdens, troubles, and pain; we all face loss, disappointment, regret, rejection, frustrations; it’s just a fact of life.
But what if we didn’t feel fear, pain; undergo setbacks, and failures? Some of us might think that would be fantastic. But I believe that if we did not encounter whatever trial we were given at whatever point in our lifetime, we might have not spotted the hidden blessings that often appear when we least expect it.
For example, if I did not understand fear, I would have not developed self-confidence. If I did not doubt and know failure, I would not recognize belief and accomplishment. If I did not suffer loss, I would not understand how to counsel or comfort someone in bereavement. I f I did not know illness; I would not comprehend physical or mental diseases many of us confront. If I did not know sorrow, I would not appreciate joy. If I would not I did not face rejection, I would not know how to accept others who are often tossed aside, ignored or abused. If I did not know unkindness, I would not feel compassion and empathy. If I did not know injustice, I would not know how to be impartial and fair. If I did not experience jealously, I would have not be capable of trust. If I did not know vindictiveness, I would not know how to understand mercy and forgiveness. If I did not know weakness, I would not have learned strength and resilience.
And, if I did not know hatred, I would not know how to love unconditionally.
So, out of these tribulations, I discovered hidden healing messages and blessings. I saw the why of my angst; and I am grateful.
As we enter the season of giving, there are opportunities for me to grow and gather meaning in the midst of turbulence. I know, for me, the hardships I may face each day are grooming me to love, be patient, kind, and compassionate. They are teaching me to forgive and to welcome the unwanted and displaced.
What are your hardships telling you? How are they changing you? Can you find the hidden blessings?
I would love to know what you learn from these life events and how you are choosing to use your blessings as opportunities and gifts.