Recently, my family and I went through a very trying period that we
found difficult to deal with. It wasn't unique. We're certainly not
the only ones who have experienced what we went through. And yet it was
difficult for us to handle. I can easily see how such experiences can
cause people to become bitter, depressed, or even angry. But that's not
what happened. As my wife and I dealt with the situation together, we
found many things to be grateful for even in the midst of the trial, and
we thanked God for having blessed us so fully. Instead of anger, we
felt peace. Instead of bitterness, we felt gratitude. We still
experienced sorrow, but it was the kind of sorrow that has helped us to
rely more on our loving Father in heaven, and has brought us closer
together as a couple and as a family.
Reflecting on this experience, I was reminded of a lesson I learned
many years ago from a man I admired who had lived a very full life. He
gave an admonishment that I'm sure we've all heard before: "Always look
on the bright side of things." But then he followed that with something
I had not heard before: "There is always a bright side of things."
It's hard sometimes to see what the bright side of things might be,
but I can attest to the peace and strength that come to those who learn
to see beyond the obvious, and discover the blessings and wisdom that
life's experiences afford us all. Focus on the bright side of things,
and you may be surprised by how that can turn even the most negative
experiences into something positive.
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