Ah, it’s nice to be back. Sometimes life seems to throw your way more challenges than you seem to be able to physically and mentally cope.
The truth is that some of us have been giving challenges that will last the rest of our lives and let me tell you, no matter how obvious it is”¦no matter how strong you think you are, no matter how spiritual you perceive yourself to be”¦ it is a darn hard bone to chew and accept. Hence, it is often better to pause for a little while”¦regenerate your batteries and continue trying to do the best of your ability.
There is a scripture that I often times think about : “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Thinking back about my life or perhaps other people in similar or worst circumstances it makes me wonder whether or not some people were called to suffer.
Yeah, I know. It sounds depressing but I don’t mean it that way. I truly believe that there are some people here on earth that seems to have been destined or called or whatever the heck you want to call it, to suffer.
There are a lot of individuals who go through serious daily struggles with no break whatsoever; day after day until the day they die. I don’t understand it, and no matter how many Disney-answers people want to provide such as “because God knows they are strong and special” I am just not convinced. I don’t believe in a God who is involved in every little single aspect of our lives, however I must admit that sometimes I ask: “Hey, are you there at all? Can’t you see I need YOU?”.
However, let me tell you there are many benefits that come through suffering. It makes you a little more compassionate, less selfish, caring, concerned about others and how they feel and the unstoppable need to be there for those struggling with similar challenges. Suffering also makes you realize how weak you truly are, it is such a humbling experience for those with a drop or two of pride (Mine I count it by the pound and let me tell you, it is very heavy).
As much as everyone hates suffering I believe it helps you find yourself, it makes you more analytical of things, it makes you ponder more about life and its purpose and gives you experience and wisdom. I don’t think any other feeling can do all that and more.
Robert Browning Hamilton, the poet wisely wrote:
I walked a mile with Pleasure
She chatted all the way,
But left me none the wiser
For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow
And ne”er a word said she;
But oh, the things I learned from her
When Sorrow walked with me!