Be Thankful
for the Setbacks
“It’s
easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to
those who are also thankful for the setbacks.”
Unknown
Whoever
wrote this poem titled, “Be Thankful For,” knew that we cannot live our lives forever
joyful, because…well, it just doesn’t work that way. Life has, as the Buddha
pointed out, 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows. If we never had setbacks, how would
we know joy? Here are some lines from this anonymous poem:
“Be
thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what
would there be to look forward to.
Be
thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you an opportunity to
learn.
Be
thankful for difficulties. During those times you grow.
Be
thankful for your limitations. They give you an opportunity for improvement.
Be
thankful for each new challenge, for it will build your strength and character.
Be
thankful for your mistakes, for they will teach valuable lessons.”
Every
day in every way, I make mistakes. I fail, I fall, and fortunately for me, I am
usually able to pull myself up. When I can’t, I talk to friends who give me
advice and support. Failing at something is human, and therefore built into the
species. We homo sapiens make terrible mistakes, and small mistakes, and no one
is exempt. Next time you do something stupid and are deep into
self-condemnation, recognize that this is the famous crack in the armor; the
way light gets in. Instead of excoriating yourself, learn the lesson the
mistake offers.
When
life is soft, we get soft, too. We lose our muscle strength, our mind muscle,
and our heart muscle. And we lose all the good things that go with hard work
and wrestling with angels. Our bodies, minds and spirits are made stronger by
our willingness to struggle with life’s setbacks. Don’t hate them—be glad for
the opportunity to right the wrong, to learn the lesson, to improve and grow.
In
the Spirit,
Jane
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