By Samantha McKenzie

“The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.”    

— Helen Keller

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. There are 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.

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. And we don’t always make the best decisions. We make mistakes. Huge 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. Our true character emerges during trials. And it is during the worst times,  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…”

These challenges allow us to understand our threshold for pain. We build parts of our character like patience and humility and experience what it really means to take responsibility for our decisions. We become accountable for our choices.

There are lessons in our struggle. There is value in the valley. We lean on a higher power and build our endurance  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.