fight on

I've heard it said that everyone is either beginning a hard time in their life, in the middle of a hard time or just coming out of a hard time.  I think that's a persepective that we often lose when others hurt us or wrong us.  We forget that they too are suffering, that they too are lonely, depressed, hurting - facing a trial in life.

I have a friend who went through a hard time a year or two ago and I can't tell you why he had to go through it.  What I can tell you is that because he went through this trial in his life, he is now able to help me (and who knows how many others) face a similar trial in my life and for that I am so thankful. 

So often in life, when I am wronged, hurt or facing a trial, my first reaction is that of anger, sadness or fear.  There is a time and a place for these emotions but they aren't what we should aspire to.  In every situation life throws at us, we should aspire after joy, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, gentleness, grace and above all those - love.  How different the world would be if instead of fighting over power, money, people, land, etc., we fought for goodness. If everyday we woke up and approached the new day thankful for our struggles, thankful for the moments that grew us, showed us who we are, who are friends are.

And so today, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to live a day, a week, a month, a year, a lifetime, filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, compassion, gentleness and grace.   

 

fight on, friends, fight on.