#253

If there was no suffering, you would never search for the truth. it is suffering that goes on impelling you to go beyond it. It is anguish and agony that finally compels you to seek and search for the path that goes beyond the suffering and agony, to find a way that reaches to blissfulness and to eternal joy.

-Osho

There are certain unavoidable events in life that will cause you suffering, such as death, illness, financial and/or natural disasters, and accidents. It is inevitable that all or some of these events will happen to you at some point. 

These powerful events generate self-reflection that eventually will change the way you think and feel about your life. In the deepest, darkest hours of suffering, the strength and courage slowly begin to germinate. At the time you are immersed in the suffering, it's difficult to predict the outcome. In fact, you may feel as though you'll never see daylight again.... but oh, when you do! The shift has taken place and your faith is restored.

When things are going smoothly, the inclination is to leave it alone. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. So life just rambles along, no crossroads and no complaints, and often no change and no growth. It takes the suffering to bring it all to a head, to finally compel you to seek and search.

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.