The Benefits of Pain:

I know it sounds crazy, but believe me, pain delivers a few benefits to all of its recipients. You can experience a wide range of different pain levels; in the deepest of manner, all the way up up to the lightest amount. Pain offers the same two things to everyone: equipping one with life lesson and/or character change. They are both always on the table, whether we see it or not. Pain can lead you to the mountain top of gratitude or it can deliver you to the valley-low of dark deep depression. Pain can push you to a level of greatness only your heart can desire. Here's the catcher: it hurts. Going through it is the hardest part; seemingly impossible to make it out on the other side. The process makes you able to relate, empathize, and encourage someone who is going through their version of the same pain, same process. Losing someone you love tears a chunk of your heart that never grows back. The sharp pain remains and it can send you to depression or even suicidal thoughts. Or that loss can remind you that life is short - live your life, create your legacy, and/or honor your love one now. Go get it because life is short and you don't know when its your time. Endurance and perseverance are two character traits that are the fruit that borne from Pain. Pain from an injury, Pain from rejection, Pain from employer termination, the list can go on and on. The same thing remains...pain delivers a few benefits to all of its recipients. There's a saying that echos this truth in the fitness and sports world: No Pain, No Gain. In fact, I have that tattooed on my biceps. The toughest workouts that kick your butt are the same workouts we get the best health results (energy, sleep better, feel better). Pain will make you search for a Higher Power, Creator of all Creation. Pain can help build your faith. Turning your pride into humility, independence into reliance, doubt into hope.... pain has its benefits. So if or when you face trails in your life, ask this question: God, what are you preparing me for? ...instead of God, why am I going through this? I came to realize that the first question packs a better punch of growth. Be encouraged if you are reading this; know that pain is evidence that we are more than conqueror.