Adversity (August 2010)

From August 10, 2010

“Adversity is like a strong wind.  It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”  (Arthur Golden)

 As one who has recently been through strong winds, I can say with certainty that adversity is definitely a humbling experience!  But we can remember that through adversity, comes strength.  We really do become stronger, and perhaps that strength comes from understanding who we really are, and how we can use that strength to help ourselves and to help others. 

Two things I have learned during my own firestorms of adversity, are gratitude, and patience.  Though I have never been an ungrateful person, believe me, when you are faced with one crisis after another, you learn very quickly to be grateful for any blessing you’ve got —whether it be as noble as the support of a friend, or as simple as the ability to talk to a family member.  In developing patience, I learned deep humility —to depend upon others when in need.

In March 2009, the town was devastated by the loss of several businesses including our old dance studio, in a gas leak explosion that was felt for miles.  Because it occurred early in the morning, only one life was lost.  Had it happened during regular business hours, the losses would have been far greater.  It was heartwarming to see the town immediately rally around the businesses that were affected and support each other over the next several months while the street was closed for clean-up and repairs.  Many businesses on that block could have easily gone under due to the inability of customers to get to them, but Bozemanites wouldn't allow it to happen.  They were flooded with volunteers to help repair damages and customers refused to let the cold walk down the street in the snow deter them from patronizing these businesses.  It was a tough year, but there was great potential for recovery.

It would do us well to treat each other with the best of ourselves.  We don’t need to wait until adversity strikes to learn these lessons.