To Some Degree ... You Must Suffer.

I don't know about you ... but I'm on a mission.

I'm on a mission to overcome my trials, tribulations, and other assorted obstacles.

Earlier today I was having a conversation with a close friend and when he asked me how I was doing, I found myself - not at a loss for words - but momentarily stunted because I wanted to be accurate.

On the one hand, I'm going through some serious issues, issues that would and have destroyed weaker-willed people. On the other hand, I don't believe in either making or accepting bullsh%t excuses, so the reality ... MY reality is that the things I am going through serve as the food and the fuel to make me a better man, and an even more powerful motivator.

I have had a pretty decent life. I didn't grow up rich, but I was blessed to be well above the poverty line. In a nutshell, God knows my heart. He knows what I want to do with my life and the service I wish to provide. However, I have accepted the fact that in order for me to become a master motivator; in order for me to be the person that pulls people up for their pits of despair, I must find myself in and climb myself out of some pits of my own.

To some degree ... I must suffer.

It's all a work in progress. I know what I am striving for. I know what my goals are. However, since I was bold enough to take a stand in the face of God on the porch of the Universe and proclaim my place in the Universe, God is testing me. God is making me prove myself worthy.

The finest of steel must go through the hottest of fire. If you want to make God laugh, tell Him what your plans are. However, if you want to make God take notice of you and bestow upon you the greatness He has for you, you must take everything He throws at you. God will never put more on you than you can handle; however, to whom much is given much is required. Therefore, in order to be worthy of all of the great things you want in life ... if you truly want to have those things ... To Some Degree ... You Must Suffer.

I am on a mission. I know where I am headed. I know what I must do, and I am willing to endure.

What about you?