Life is not a series of consecutive triumphs, but a winding path of ups and downs, of happiness and tears. God leads us every step of the way, especially when the journey becomes tough and we feel too tired to go on. Through it all, what upholds us is the love of Him who alone gives us the strength to carry on. – Jocelyn Soriano
Dear child, when you go forth in this world, remember that not everything would work out the way you wanted to. In fact, most things would be flawed and far from ideal. Many things would bring you pain.
This is not to discourage you or to keep you from dreaming great things. But you need to know these things so you can be brave and so that you may not be easily dismayed. You need to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground like a tree that will never be shaken by the strongest wind. But you need to keep your gaze up in heaven so you may never forget where you will one day take flight to your true home.
But while you are in this life, remember that many things will try to bring you down. There will be times when the weight would be too much that you’d fall. When that happens, remember that the most important thing is to not remain fallen for far too long. Learn your lesson, then get up quickly and move on.
Remember also that people will never easily fit inside a neat box or a sure formula. You can understand better by experience, but many times, people will do things you’d never expect or imagine, and this both for the good and the bad.
Many people don’t really think that much. They may say things that hurt you all because they failed to think about what they ought to say. Don’t presume that people always say and do things intentionally. Many of the things people do, especially the bad things, are done out of ignorance, or weakness or fear.
Sometimes though, even people you thought were bad would surprise you by doing something really good, even heroic. Thank God then, for there is still that spark of God’s light within the soul that is trying to make its way felt and known.
There is goodness indeed in this life, though often mixed with pain. Find it! Let it lead you ever closer to God’s grace. God has not given up on this world, why should you?
You have but very little time to gather in it eternal treasures that will never fade, never waste a moment of it! One day, everything will make perfect sense, even the smallest of things would have its story. Have patience then and be strong!
Remember most of all that God watches over you. He is the strength in your weakness, the consolation in all your troubles, and the hope that will never let you down. God loves you and you need never be alone.
…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13 (WEB)
The thing about hope is that it’s a positive force that shines the most when it’s dark. When everything’s going well, we hardly notice it’s there. But when things go against us, when our dreams fade and when we see no immediate reprieve from our troubles, that’s when hope does its best work for us.
"Where Hope Can Be Found"