Meditation of the day...IMITATION OF CHRIST...

THE VALUE OF ADVERSITY

IT IS good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. (keep us on our knees)

It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory. When to all outward appearances men give us no credit, when they do not think well of us, then we are more inclined to seek God Who sees our hearts. Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men. (a holy priest from my parish used to say that, "if everyone likes you...you are doing something wrong." I think about our parenting. It is so easy to want to be our kids friends so we don't have to rock the boat...)

When a man of good will is afflicted, tempted, and tormented by evil thoughts, he realizes clearly that his greatest need is God, without Whom he can do no good. (and we beg for graces)

Saddened by his miseries and sufferings, he laments and prays. He wearies of living longer and wishes for death that he might be dissolved and be with Christ. Then he understands fully that perfect security and complete peace cannot be found on earth. (It too reminds me of the nature of seasons in our lives, different states we are in. I ponder on why teenage years stretch and pull at me...then I see God's hand in HIS natural plan. Kids are to grow and leave. The struggles help them and us detach and let go.)