Suffering

None of us like suffering, but there is nothing that will clear your mind of the things that don't matter like pain.  Suffering has a way of stripping away what isn't important and focusing your priorities on what really matters,  it brings your friends, the real ones, to the rescue to hold your hand, pray for you and love you.  It loosens your grip on the things of the world and helps you see the eternal things in a new way.  None of us like suffering, but it has a cleansing effect on the sufferer and gives them a new clarity on what life is really all about.  All of us will suffer at some point in our lives.  When it comes don't run from it but welcome it as a friend who has come to clear your vision and strip away the silly things you have been busy about in the past.  And,  the most important thing of all, if you don't let bitterness sneak in, you will see God more clearly than you could have ever imagined.  When suffering comes welcome it, "Greetings dreaded friend.  Thank you for all you will accomplish in my life.  May God work through you for his glory."