THURSDAY THOUGHTS - The Catalyst For Building Strength of Character

I feel strongly that gratitude is one of the most important principals and qualities that we can develop in this life. I have met many people who don't have very much materially, but they feel rich because they are so grateful for what they have. I have also met people who have more than most people around them, yet they are always reaching for more, feeling that there is never quite enough. Life is full of experiences and even the rough ones can teach us, although they are much less pleasant. I found yet another anonymous quote that touched me, and so I have chosen to share it with you:

"My thanks come easily when my future rises and my will is king, and all the world seems my estate. My thanks comes easily at such times, but wait--today let me reflect upon those thanks I own but which I find express themselves less fluently.

Today let me remember to give thanks not only for the sunlight, but for those darker hours which teach me fortitude. Let me profess today a grateful heart not merely for successes I may know, but as truly for those failures that teach humility. Let me express my gratitude for all of those petty inner conflicts which once resolved bring new serenity, and for those smaller distressing fears that have their ways of building such hope. Let me breathe appreciation for all those poignant sights that teach me thoughtfulness, and wrongs that teach me fairness, and for each violated trust that leaves loyalty as its lesson.

And let me not forget today to whisper thanks for these:
The contempt that teaches pity,
The tear that teaches joy,
The pain that teaches mercy,
And the loneliness that teaches love.

So now let me reflect upon these things I owe and let my thanks come easily today."

I think that Cancer and its many challenges are among these lessons that are taught in less than comfortable circumstances. In many instances, such as my own, it was an extreme wake-up call. It seemed like a bad dream, which I am sure that the members of our group can relate to. But oh, what strength, faith, compassion and friendships are born as we care for, help and and encourage each other along this difficult and often discouraging path. And so, in the long run Cancer does not beat us. It is the catalyst for building strength of character that can come in no other way. In that respect, I am grateful for Cancer and the many lessons it has taught and continues to teach me.

Guest Blogger, Kathy Christensen
Sister Survivor Member