Dealing with Suffering

"life is not a bed of roses" is a popular adage. But, is this really true? What of those born with silver spoons; those whose future have been planned out; those who are born into, so to say, perfect families? For these few, life is but a bed of roses. 

However, we know that roses have thorns in them and these are integral parts of roses. 

Life here on earth, has suffering as an integral part. No matter the level of blessedness we seem to be, or the state of life we find ourselves, we will surely have our own bite of the "precious" cake. What, then, should we do in the face of such helplessness? What is our fate? 

Since suffering is unavoidable and painful situations are bound to come, let us take the stance of Job who said, "The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord!" (Job. 1:21). Let us not allow ourselves to be dejected and so, die of regrets and sorrow. Let us be mindful that our brethren everywhere are having their own share of suffering. (1 Peter 5:9)

More so, suffering has a way of refining us and making us better humans. It teaches us more than all the universities in the world. It prepares us to face future challenges, it makes us better person; and even more, it makes us pleasing to God if it is joyfully accepted 

To make it more bearable and far beneficial, we should expect suffering, and being aware of its importance, we can tap from it as an ever flowing stream that can sanctify and purify us. St John of the Cross, teaches that if you want to be happy, comfortable and peaceful, search for it by bearing suffering. Also, St Theresa of the Child Jesus, having tapped so much from this treasure, was reluctant to say that she would be happy in heaven since suffering has become for her a source of happiness. 

Prayer: Lord make us see the benefits in our painful situations. 

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