Purpose in suffering

I think it only natural that in times of disappointment, grief or other challenges you tend to ask why. It's hard to understand when you put so much time, effort, faith, and/or money into something & have your hopes dashed. But, tragedies happen. Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you didn't even know it was your turn at bat! I'm grateful, in times like these, for the eternal perspective the gospel plan provides.

Throughout the last few days my thoughts and pleas have turned from asking why to requesting a purpose. I think the greater tragedy in all of this would be to have our suffering be in vain. I don't want to just endure, but rather come out of this more refined and closer to who I was always meant to be. I've seen that simple expressions of love and kindness help immeasurably. I want this to teach me to extend a hand of friendship when others need it. I want to pass on the love that I have felt from so many. I want my faith to always be in tact so I will 'stand firm' knowing that our loving Heavenly Father will not have us suffer longer than is necessary for our growth.

I feel a lot better than I did a week ago. I hope to never go through something like that again. Truthfully, though, I know it's unlikely. Although there is much happiness and joy to still experience, I'm certain life has more trying times in store as well. It's just the way it is when we live in an imperfect world.

But there's always a purpose: it's how we react to the challenge that makes it sanctified for our good.