By Samantha McKenzie

From time to time we all find ourselves in unfavorable situations. We make choices and end up in places we didn’t think we’d be. We deal with issues we never thought we would face. If you’ve lived long enough, you’ve found yourself smack dead in the middle of a circumstance that you never imagined could have happened to you.

Most people don’t plan to get pulled over by a police officer, go to jail, a courtroom, or the emergency room of a hospital. We don’t schedule things like fights, or road rage or controversy. No one hopes to one day file bankruptcy, go through a painful divorce or have their life flash before them. Try, try as we may, we all plan to make the right choices, err on the side of safety and avoid conflicts.

Nine times out of 10, we start our day off with good intentions. Unfortunately, life isn’t static free. The truth is, we don’t always make the best decisions. We make mistakes. I’ve done my share of stupid things in my life. Some I got away with and the others well, let’s just say, I’m glad I am here today to tell you about it.

We learn about ourselves during these low points in our lives. We learn about our true character under trial. And it is during the worst times, the times when we are being tested, that we learn what we are truly made of.

While digging out of the mess we caused, we learn how to pray. These prayers are usually the most authentic and sincere. We find ourselves asking the good Lord for everything but the kitchen sink. You remember those prayers that begin with “Dear Lord” and end with “If you just get me out of this situation, I promise…”

When we are faced with these challenges, we learn our threshold for pain. We build parts of our character like patience and humility. We experience what it really means to take responsibility for our decisions and how to be accountable for our choices.

There are lessons in our struggle. There is value in the valley. We lean on a higher power. We build endurance during these trials. We are forced to grow up.

After difficulty comes ease. The sun still rises in the morning. And the price we pay is getting back up and starting over again and becoming a stronger, smarter and better person.