Troubles

Every one of us faces our own troubles.
We have our own hurdles to jump,
our own crosses to bear,
our own mountains to climb.
Often we bog ourselves down with WHY?
I've got the answer . . .


We endure our tribulations
so that we may lighten another's journey.


In the midst of my children's ailments,
I spent many an afternoon sobbing in my closet.
When we decided to give back and help others,
a whole new world opened up.
Did our troubles go away?
Oh heck no! Sometimes they were worse!
But . . .
We were focused on helping other people.
We were focused on sharing our knowledge
and efforts and what we've endured so that
another person wouldn't feel so alone.


In helping others,
your burdens are lightened
and your hearts are filled with something
joyous and beautiful.
Your troubles do NOT define you.