Day 25: The reason I believe I am still alive today…

This question is similar to…what is the purpose of your life? I have no idea, but to love and be of service.

I read the following at a low point in my life and it encouraged me. I hope it will do the same for you.

“Store up comfort.

The world is full of hurting and comfortless hearts. But before you will be competent to do this, you must be trained.

And your training is extremely costly, for to make it complete, you too must endure the same afflictions that are wringing countless hearts of tears and blood.

Consequently, your own life becomes the hospital ward where you are taught the divine art of comfort.

You will be wounded so that in the binding up of your wounds, you will learn how to render first aid to the wounded everywhere.

Do you wonder why you are having to experience some great sorrow? In the years to come you will find many others afflicted in the same way.

You will tell them how you suffered and were comforted. As the story unfolds, the anesthetic used on you will be administered to those who need it, by you.

Then in the eager look followed by the gleam of hope that chases the shadow of despair from the soul, YOU WILL KNOW WHY you were afflicted.

And you will bless God for the discipline that filled your life with such a treasure of experience and helpfulness. We are comforted not to make us comfortable, but to make us COMFORTERS.”

I wish I knew who wrote this.