"Adversity, My Friend"

Adversity, my friend indeed.
Wouldst thou abandon me?

To wander on this earth alone.
No growth, no faith, to be?

Lift the pain and anguish felt?
Turn your back on me?

With all the tests and trials brought,
Thou taught me to be free!

So stay, my friend, and camp with me!
Refining everyday!

That I might feel my Savior's love,
To never go away!

POET'S COMMENTS

It can be said that; "Beneath each trial lays hidden, undiscovered blessings."

Each conquered challenge in life, brings man one step closer to God. Why would that be so? Is it that in man's darkest moments, he most certainly reaches out towards the light? Is it that in his sorrows, he seeks out and comes to know God; thus revealing his own kinship? Is it because often through trials the Savior becomes their companion, and the Holy Ghost their guide?

Imagine a world without adversity, no pain, no grief. There could be no happiness, no joy; not at this time in our mortal existence. The absence of opposition offers no progression, no enlightenment, no refinement. Without opposition and adversity the Refiner's Fire is extinguished, and man's potential for exaltation vanquished.

Adversity and opposition allow for the pursuit of self-mastery, a pathway to perfection. Both bestow to all, the opportunity to choose good over evil, right over wrong, optimism over pessimism, love over hate, trust over mistrust, happiness over sadness, peace over enmity, light over darkness.

Adversity is much like the potter's wheel, it helps shape us, while God's hands create the final product. Through adversity we learn appreciation, and gratitude. Adversity is a mentor, who beacons all to choose, to be their "best selves."

"I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;" (Proverbs 31:7) We have adversity that we may one day know the Savior.