LIFE’S LESSON

LIFE’S LESSON

A ninety-one year old woman died after living a long dignified life. When she met God she asked Him something that had long bothered her. If man was created in God’s image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. And it is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people, relationships and God.

This confused the woman, so God began to explain.

When someone breaks your heart it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that person will love you back. But don’t turn your back on love because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings will make up for all the past hurts put together. Times ten!

When someone holds a grudge against you it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have hurt us is the most difficult and courageous thing man can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you it teaches you that resisting temptation is man’s greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptation. By doing so you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil, aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about our success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

Upon hearing the Lord’s wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there were no lessons to be learned from man’s good deeds.

God replied that man’s capacity to love is the greatest gift he has. At the root of all kindness is love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson.

The woman’s curiosity deepening, God once again began to explain.

When someone loves us it teaches us that love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility. Forgiveness and acceptance can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.