by Brother Vernon Smith
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away, that they were meant to be there to serve some sort of purpose and teach you a lesson. They help you figure out who you are, or who you want to become. You never know just who these people may be, but when you lock eyes with them, you know in that moment, that they will affect your life in some profound way.
Sometimes things happen to you and at that time, they may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those very obstacles, you would have never realized your potential strength, will power or depth of heart. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance, or by means of good luck or bad luck, illness, injury, love, death, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without their test, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless.
The people you meet affect your life. The success and downfalls that you experience can create who you are and the bad experience can be learned from. I call the “real eye openers” as in your face up close and personal. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love more and open your eyes and heart to the little things.
Make each and every day count! Learn to appreciate every moment and take from it everything you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before and actually listen to them and what they have to say.
Don’t be afraid to love, break free, and set your sights high. Hold your head up because you have every right to! Tell yourself you are a beautiful person and believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Last and above all create your own life and then go out and live it!