Unfortunately, we all have tough times - those challenging times that we know will pass, but seem to take forever. Whether it’s in our family, our health, our relationships, our finances, or in our community; we all face challenges.
As a friend once explained - we are all either heading into, coming out of, or in the middle of one of life’s storms. What is vitally important, however, is not what hard times come along (because inevitably they will), but how we respond when they do.
Sometimes, we become bitter while we wonder why the world or God seems so unfair. Some call this a victimhood mentality. At some level, we give up and completely lose hope.
Othertimes, however, we stand strong. We examine our strategies and actions - adjusting where we can - while holding firm to the core beliefs and principles that guide our lives.
I would never wish adversity on anyone, and yet, without it some of us will never know who we truly are.
I love the quote from Nancy Reagan that says "People are like tea bags. You never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water."
Tough times force us to examine ourselves. They burn out our weaknesses and make us stronger for the future. Tough times can force us to grow in ways that good times allow us to ignore or cover up. Tough times force us to grow, mature, and learn.
When adversity comes, and it comes to all of us at different times and ways, I challenge you not just to accept it. I challenge you to rail and fight against it. Do not fold.
But whatever you do, don't resent it. Learn from it, and share your lesson with others who will inevitably face something similar in due time.