Sorrow's Gate

There are things that come through the gates of tribulation. There are traits of character, which seem to find no other mode of entrance into life, such as gentleness, tact, sympathy, and strength. Though we may desire a life of tranquility and joy, it still remains true that few of us would choose for our most valued friend one who has never suffered.

The eyes that have not known tears lack genuine tenderness. The heart that has never been torn with anguish and loss has never sounded its own depths, and cannot measure those of another.

Every life grows strong through storm and conflict, if it ever grows at all. And however sweet by nature we may be, we find it incomplete and unsatisfying if it has never known the softening, hallowing touch of grief.

There are dark pages in our lives where we would gladly have changed the story if we could. There are wounds that still ache, and losses that even yet are hard to bear. But however we feel about the sorrow, there are few of us who would be willing to give up all that it has brought and taught us, or to be just where we were before it touched us.

There are profound gains that come only through Sorrow's Gate.
- S.M.