Trials and suffering....

Character can't be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.  - Helen Keller (i'm not sure where i found this quote originally, but i first sent it as a text to my children on June 29, 2010; at 12:04:35pm ;-) --and again today :-)  -it can be found online at http://www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Helen_Keller

often when my children are frustrated with something, or challenged with a 'trial'.... i'll mention "it's a character building opportunity" -and they moan.... ;-)

one of my mentors use to say, there are no "bad" days, just "good" days and "growth" days :-)

in my shallow moments, when 'bad' things come up, like losing my job, they can make my life (literally) seem unbearable.  the exact same circumstance, (yesterday was the last day of my f/t job) looked at from a different perspective, is simply 'a character building opportunity!'

i think it's part of my job on this planet to build my character; and teach my children its importance.  i hope and pray they meet life partners who will have strong characters -because i think they'll be happier if they do.  i want their happiness more than almost anything i can dream of.

no matter who our girl/boy-friend or spouse is, there is a life partner who strengthens  my character because of the encounter we've had.... the G-d/man, Jesus.