This is part of an email sent to me from a close friend. It is followed by parts of my reply.
He is a great guy, dedicated to his family and friends. However, he was beginning to question his faith, as well as his place in the world relative to his observation of others.
. . . . . Additionally, I believe I sent an email earlier this year talking about how I was struggling mentally, and finding it difficult fitting in with my peers socially. I thought it was just because I wasn't putting in enough effort to socialize and maintain conversations. But now I realized it's because my interests with the people I associate with were different from mine. The majority of people I've met are content with the lives they have, and I don't sense the same desire to become better like I do. Another thing I wanted to mention is my belief in God. From spending time thinking and contemplating why everything in my life has happened the way it has, I realized it's God's plan for me to go through adversity and social struggles. All of these challenges are meant to build character and strengthen my mental fortitude. Life is extremely unforgiving and difficult and I will need to be ready for all of the challenges I will face in the future. Having faith in God gives me significantly more hope for myself for the future, even if it is more challenging right now. Sincerely, ________________________________________________ Hi - Why do some people have it so much better than others? I've struggled with that question all my life . . . Am I a victim, or a virtue? . . . I don't know what the answer is. But, I don't think God has much to do with it.
This raises an interesting question that has plagued us all at one time. If possible, would I exchange places with anyone, living or dead? I have thought about this many times. But, I have never been able to make that choice.
I often wondered what it would be like to enjoy what seemed to be the happiness and prosperity of others. Over the years I came to the conclusion that I was better off in my own “skin”.
I believe that each of our lives are “waypoints” in Creation’s search for perfection. We are each offered a “glimpse” of what is to come through our unique experience; we either accept it, or not. Creation then takes the best of us, and moves on.