THE PURPOSE OF BEING CHALLENGED IN LIFE

Most of us complain of having so much problems in life-but is there some
purpose in these painful moments-something to be learned,something to
take heart of??.Don't worry if you have problems! Which is easy to say
until you are in the midst of a really big one, I know. But the only
people I am aware of who don't have troubles are gathered in little
neighbourhoods. Most cities and villages have at least one. We call them
cemeteries. If you're breathing, you have difficulties. It's the way of
life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be good
for you! How does problems makes us stronger,more disciplined people?It
makes us more disciplined,take a good hard look at our
shortcomings-something like a SWOT analysis.

Let us take a small but profound example of this fact.

Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef , stretching some 1,800 miles
from New Guinea to Australia . Tour guides regularly take visitors to
view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question.
"I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless,
while the ocean side is vibrant and colourful," a traveller observed.
"Why is this?"

The guide gave an interesting answer: "The coral around the lagoon side
is in still water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early.
The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves,
and storms -- surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of
its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows
healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces."

Then he added this telling note: "That's the way it is with every living
organism." That's how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come
alive! Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can
cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce
tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength
of character and faithfulness.

Great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi had to face a lot of problems
while fighting for indian independence-he was beaten up by the
british,jailed several times etc.. But he did not loose his confidence
and his faith in Ahimsa or non violence principle and he won the
independence for the indian populace.

Infact there is a chinese saying that there is a silver lining in
everycloud-in the chinese ideogram for danger-there are 2 meanings one
side being adversity and other being opportunity.

Infact the great scientist Einstein said that opportunities knock at the
door and at the same time they wear the cloak of problems which mask
themselves effctively.
The erstwhile president of the US Mr Abraham Lincoln was one such great
personality-the son of a wood cutter his life was wreaked with
problems-he had to study under the street light during his school days
and faced many reverses & tribulations in life only to emerge as a
stronger individual in life.

So, you have problems -- no problem! Just tell yourself, "There I grow
again; stronger and powerful!" -COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS