Life is not easy. It is, in fact, difficult.
Yet, people would want nothing more
than to have a life of ease, comfort and pleasure.
We work and struggle to eliminate all pain and suffering.
That is a worthwhile and humane undertaking.
But if we look deeper and think about it,
It is pain and suffering that brings out what is most noble in us.
We are at our strongest and achieve our best
when we go through pain and suffering.
Christ’s challenges us to take our cross daily;
and thus, ennoble our pains and sufferings.
Just as steel is tempered by fire and gold is thus refined,
thus, we bring out the best that is in us.
There are enough heartaches, sorrows and pain around me
for me to add any more to the sadness and suffering.
While pain and suffering may be an essential ingredient to life,
I can do small things to help alleviate the burden they bring to people’s lives.
If I can but make someone smile, I will.
If I can just make someone sing in happiness, I will.
If I can just help in carrying someone’s burden, even for just a while, I will.
If I can fill the gaps in someone’s life, I will.
If I can bring something to someone for that person
to have a firmer resolve or a brighter disposition, I will.
For this to happen, I need to open my eyes, my ears, my heart and my hands
in love and service to others.