On Adversity

"Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 

I Thessalonians 5:18

Being thankful in all circumstances does not necessarily mean that you have to like those circumstances.  Adversity isn't fun...pain isn't fun.  But it can be good.

If you're destined to do 'Great Things' (and who isn't?), then you're going to need uncommon character.  And uncommon character only comes from commonly painful experiences coupled with uncommon introspection.  I say 'common' because we all experience pain..we all experience loss.  However, some choose to 'learn the lesson' while others choose to dismiss pain as being devoid of value.  If we truly see our time on Earth as being a test, not simply an end in itself, we can move beyond simply enduring pain to celebrating the personal growth that painful processes can bring.

Even before I crossed any line of faith, I believe God has been my Guide and my Shield.  However, He has also allowed me to weather some tough storms 'on my own'.  I have found that these humbling patches and periods of adversity are not only necessary, but crucial in ultimately becoming a better version of myself.  The level of character developed through adversity simply cannot be arrived at any other way.

Now, hear me right: I'm not saying I like pain.  I'm amazed to hear many claim something to the effect of, "I wouldn't trade those painful experiences for anything."

WHAT?!

Really now...if given the choice...how many would intentionally choose pain over pleasure?  

I suppose what they truly mean is that the character they developed is invaluable, and they wouldn't trade that for the world.  This I get.  But let's be clear: humans far prefer pleasure to pain!

Case in point: I don't like running.  I wouldn't call myself a runner.  Never ran in high school or college.  But I started training for marathons a little over two years ago.  In fact, I completed my first ultramarathon (50 miles) in the fall of 2007.  

Anyone willing to run 50 miles without the threat of death should have their head checked.  

So...why do it?  Why willingly subject my body to intentional duress...voluntarily beat my knees for 30+ weeks of training...get up a 2 am to run for 5 hours to be home when the kids got up...deny my appetite for sweets?

Truth be known: I don't really like running.

However: I like the effects of running.

I like changing my perspective...expanding my horizons...increasing my capacity and changing my perception of self.  I like the extra energy I seem to have while training.  I like the endorphin rush at the end of a long run.  I like the clarity of thought I seem to have while listening to great music.  I like knowing that science says those who exercise tend to live longer.  I like learning lessons during these times of solitude.  And I definitely like being in the best shape of my life while in my mid-30s.

What I'm getting at is this: it's OK to hate the pain while loving the character that suffering produces.

It's even helped me be thankful in more circumstances...regardless of how painful they may be.

See you on the road.