Embrace Adversity
Everyone loves the good times in life. It might be tempting to think that life would be wonderful if all the times could be good. Truth is the hard times in life actually prepare you for the good times and make them better. Life would be boring if all the times were good times and there was never any challenges, problems or difficulties to deal with. It doesn’t mean that life has to be hard to be good, but the hard times help make the good times better.
The hard times help you sharpen your awareness and appreciation of the good times. The hard times provide a comparison. If you never knew hard times how would you truly know or appreciate the good times? Without hard times, it would be tempting to take the good times for granted. After all, you really wouldn’t know any better.
The hard times help you learn, grow and know what you are made of. Although good times are great, they don’t require much of you. There is no need to stretch or challenge yourself during the good times. The hard times provide that opportunity and give you a chance to become the person you desire to be.
Consider This
Hard times are part of life. Although it is difficult, do your best to appreciate the hard times and the lessons they are there to teach you. With each hard time in your life you are being prepared to enjoy the good times that much more.
Reflections
Think about some hard times you’ve been through in the past, have they strengthened your character? Chances are they have. Remember, without the hard times, you’ll never know what you’re truly made of.
My Request
Today, look back over your life and recount a few of the hard times you have had. What has been the gift they have given you? Remember those gifts the next time you find yourself struggling through a hard time and keep the faith that life will get good again.
Notable Quotes
“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.” – George Bernard Shaw
“Opposition is a natural part of life. Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition – such as lifting weights – we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” – Stephen Covey
“If you watch how nature deals with adversity, continually renewing itself, you can’t help but learn” – Bernie Siegel
Jerry Gertes
