I agree with Sky and with the enlightened posting of Jooker. I personally could not go on without a sense of purpose for that which I find it painful to endure. Without a higher meaning, it would be fruitless, and I would see little reason to continue. Without order and purpose in the universe, planets and stars would come crashing into one another in one colossal ball of matter and energy. Simply stated, and perhaps overly simplified, "what [is painful but] doesn't kill you only makes you stronger." And certainly, for those who believe in a higher power, whom I personally choose to call God, we are lackadaisical in reaching for the power that many have found there, except when we are in pain. For those who believe that a higher power resides within us, there would be no reason to reach within for it, if not for suffering. If there were only Joy in the world, there would be no reason to strive or to reach for something better, no reason to exercise or to cook a meal. No reason to reach out to others. No reason to continue on. Thank you, Jooker and Sky for your thoughtful input on this important topic of purpose in suffering. All/most of us who come to this forum do so out of some pain or suffering, and to think of this as purposeful is most therapeutic and helpful. for You! billieJ