KD I firmly believe that it is not what we go through, but how we go through it. (I've said that for 35 years now.)

Each of us have our own lives, our own trials. Many people often wonder why their life is so tough when another's isn't. But of course, everyone has tough times in their life. What is easy for me may be tough for you, what is easy for you may be tough for someone else, etc. Here at PC we have such a large membership, that we find others who find things tough the same way we do. I don't gain comfort, myself, from knowing others are also suffering, but for most ppl there is comfort in knowing they aren't alone.

Regardless of what I go through, it isn't the what that's important, imo. There will always be gardeners who don't show up, washing machines that break, children that are sick, cars that breakdown, etc. It's how I go through those events that matter. Do I trust in God to see me through? Can I rise up above it and see what I can learn or grow from the event/experience?

For me, I KNOW that I will not get through with an experience until I have obtained what God intended for me to learn. Sometimes it's merely stopping long enough and asking God to show me. That can shorten the trial indeed! But even as I go through events, often the overwhelming ones, if I can know that He is there teaching me, it can be easier to do.

I just wish my ptsd would allow me to realize this while I'm in the midst of being overwhelmed! But my God understands that too... and I thank God my T does too!