We must be hurt in order to grow; We must fail in order to know, We must lose in order to gain. Some lessons are learned best Only through pain.

Sometimes...

Our vision clears Only after our eyes are Washed with tears.

Sometimes...

We have to be broken, So we can be tender, Sick so we can rest and think better; On things more important Than work or fun; Trip near death, So we can assess how we've run.

Sometimes...

We have to suffer lack, So we can know God's provision, Feel another's pain, So we can have a sense of mission.

So take heart, my friend, If you don't understand today, Instead of grumbling, Ask God what He means to say, In order to learn you must endure, And learn to see the bigger picture.

In order to grow, you must stand; Look beyond the hurt To God's loving hand That takes what is good, And gives what is best,

And on this blessed thought, rest:

As your anxious heart, With questions, waits, God's hand only gives What His loving heart dictates.

Sometimes the Lord calms the storm; Sometimes He lets the storm rage... And calms His child. Better the storm with Christ... Than smooth waters without Him.

��Author Unknown by me