Lessons That…

Live a life that matters. Live a life of love. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Love isn’t
what we choose to DO. Love is what we choose to BE!! This story shows love is a big thing, but it is
made up of small actions, simple words and shared intimacies.
A 91-year-old woman died after living a very dignified life. When she met God, she asked a question
that had bothered her for a long time. “If man was created in God’s image, and all men are created
equal, why do we treat each other so badly? ”God replied that each person who enters our life has a
unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our
relationship with God. The woman seemed confused, so God began to explain:
“When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is
often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in
their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.
“When someone steals from you, it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you
have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because
today, and sometimes only this very moment, is the only guarantee you may have.
“When someone hurts you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take
care of your body as best as you can; it’s the one thing that you are sure to have your entire life.
“When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you encounter people
who are different than you, do not judge them by how they look or act; instead, look for something
good that is in their hearts.
“When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that
the person will love you back. But don’t turn your back on love, because when you find the right
person, the joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts—times a thousand
fold.
“When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When
you’re wronged, the best thing you can do is forgive them without pretense. Forgiving those who have
hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life’s experiences, but it is also the most courageous
thing a person can do.
“When a loved one is unfaithful, it teaches you that resisting temptation is man’s greatest
challenge. Resist all temptations. By doing so, you’ll be rewarded with satisfaction far greater than
the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.
“When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your
dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be and do not feel guilty about your success. But,
never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in activities to cause evil or
harm.
“When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits
and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no
control.”
Upon hearing the Lord’s wisdom, the old woman was concerned that there are no lessons to be
learned from man’s good deeds. God replied that man’s capacity to love is the greatest gift he has
been given. Each act of love and kindness done also teaches a lesson. The woman’s curiosity
deepened. God once again explained:
“When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness,
acceptance; and, all of these can counteract evil in the world. Every good deed can overshadow an
evil deed. Man can make the choice between good and evil; but because the lessons of love are not
taught often enough, the choice to do evil is too often chosen.
“When you enter someone’s life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson
will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality? When you die, will your life have resulted in
more loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness?
“Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely!” Don’t miss an
opportunity to nudge the world’s scale for right and wrong with love—in the right direction!
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you
also are to love one another. John 13:14
Blessings, Ben