When someone hurts us or betrays us, perhaps it is a time to learn
forgiveness, and how this act frees us and liberates us
from unnecessary anger.

When something is not going the way we had hoped,
perhaps it is a time to learn patience, allowing that God
determines the time and season for all things.

When something we value deeply is taken away from us,
perhaps it is a time to learn appreciation for what we had
and for what remains.

When we fail, perhaps it is a time to learn perseverance,
for failure is not an endpoint; rather, it is a lesson,
a motivator, and a stimulus for us to be persistent.

When we are disturbed by others who think or look different from us,
or behave in ways we do not understand, perhaps it is a time
to learn tolerance, appreciating that the great tapestry of humanity
is all the more beautiful for its many different colors,
textures, and patterns.

When we cannot attain something we want in life,
perhaps it is a time to learn acceptance, knowing that God
has a plan for us that is much greater than the small,
self-serving goals we have set.

When we are worried or frightened, perhaps it is a time
to learn trust and hope, for fear always works to weaken us,
and faith to strengthen us.

When we lose to someone else, perhaps it is a time to learn
graciousness and humility, realizing that when we accept defeat
with grace and dignity, we win something within ourselves
perhaps greater than the prize we sought.

All of these circumstances are times for us to learn the power
of prayer and faith in our Creator, for the greatest lesson to be
learned in times of adversity is our profound need of God.

David L. Weatherford

We all have things to learn in life.
I hope that you will share this with your family
and friends who are learning every day too.