It’s incredible what the human soul can bear. But as life rolls across us, each crashing wave feels like it will drown us completely. Yet, amid the pounding water around us, we remember each wave that came before and how we survived. We become more resilient. In fact, in many cases, it’s the tumble of the waves that polish us into something all the more beautiful.

This is where we get perspective - in the memory of the waves, in our Faith, in the love of those who support us, and in the stories of triumph we share. I think this, in part, is how we learn to bear more. As time passes and our sorrows grow, we develop greater resilience to hardship and a much deeper appreciation for the wonder that we experience every day. We develop perspective.

I think this is why people say things like “it’s all about your mindset” or “look on the bright side.” Our choice of what to focus on has a center-stage influence on our perspective. But in a way, it’s like choosing where to shine our spotlight but not understanding what we are seeing. As we become more well-rounded, we can see more and see more fully. Then we can have compassion for ourselves and others in our lives - and we can stand a little taller the next time a wave hits.

What does it mean to offer that gift to others? To be patient when their corners aren’t as polished as our own? To help them with their sorrows when we’ve already endured? To embrace their triumphs and encourage their Faith? What would it look like if we learned to share our resilience? What could we accomplish together? What challenges could we overcome?