THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Roadblocks Turn Into Stepping Stones

I just finished reading a wonderful book by Richard Paul Evans entitled “ A Winter Dream.” With quite a unique approach, it is a modern day interpretation of the story of Joseph and the coat of many colors. I would suggest it as a quick and enjoyable read for anyone.

After a series of twists and turns, the book ends with a letter to the main character, Joseph Jacobson, from his father upon his graduation from college. Part of it reads: “ My son, adversity is not a detour. It is part of the path…Your challenges, if you let them, will become your greatest allies. Mountains can crush you or raise you, depending on which side of the mountain you choose to stand.”

This concept caused me to warm up inside because I see examples of it all around me. Take Cancer for instance. Although its diagnosis paralyzed me with fear, I now have a radiologist and an oncologist in addition to my regular doctor. They all watch me carefully. I know it is this way with most Cancer patients, causing us to appreciate our health at an entirely new level. In  many ways Cancer makes us more alert and grateful people as we progress along our life’s path enjoying every minute we have left with our family and loved ones.

I have a son who has battled a weight problem for his entire life. Because of this, he took up the sport of running and has now run several marathons (including Boston.) He has dropped tons of weight and is in better cardio vascular health than any one in our family. My other two sons have struggled with addiction to Alcohol at various times in their lives. Both are sober now with one reaching his 10 year sober birthday just his month. He is now very active in the AA Program where he sponsors other alcoholics as they move along their road to sobriety. Helen Keller, who was born  blind, deaf and dumb became an inspiration to the entire world as she shared her story of determination and perseverance.

A  philosopher once said that we understand our lives looking backward although we must live them moving forward. He was right. During our times of adversity, life seems more difficult. However, when we look back, it all makes sense. Somehow those road blocks turn into stepping stones which lead us to the top of the mountains in our lives. It all depends on how we handle them.