By Tonya S. Swindell

Pain was a motivator. It made me act now instead of waiting until later. When I evaluated my discomfort, it made me dig deeper to discover the areas of my hurt.

Pain caused me to seek relief, by consulting with others more knowledgeable than me. It also helped me to grow, by increasing awareness of things I should know.

Pain meant I was alive and aware of the processes deep down inside. Pain made me learn to cope and broadened my chances of developing hope.

Pain prompted my decision to evaluate options and truly listen. Pain caused me to change my path and develop good habits that were meant to last.

Pain caused me to accept unusual blessings and gradually learn important lessons.

Pain was an educator that made me embrace my need for something greater. Pain taught me about sensitivities and increased my understanding of my own proclivities.

Pain prompted me to focus on living and how to achieve holistic healing. Pain allowed me to slow down and wait for answers to be found.

Pain led me to accept help instead of trying to do things all by myself. Pain taught me to admit when I was sorry while making humility my top priority.

Pain made me accept a challenge so I could regain a sense of balance. Pain caused me to rely on prayer expressed from the mouths of people who care.

Pain taught me ways in which weakness could help me develop a spirit of meekness. Pain showed me how to release stress and avoid the temptation to regress.

Pain helped me to exit a comfort zone so that I could forego being alone. Pain helped me to develop discipline, examine my choices and become more persistent.

Pain allowed me to smile, even though I had been hurting for a while. Pain made me embrace my Savior instead of engaging in reckless behavior.

Pain caused me to release unforgiveness that threatened my peace and caused divisions. Pain made me seriously ponder my chosen path and tendency to wander.

Pain made me give of myself even when I thought I had nothing left. Pain helped me to value time while listening to counsel from the Divine.

Pain caused me to listen to others, accept compassion and mercy that covers. Pain was a protective factor. It made me consider the seriousness of a matter.

Pain made me hunger and thirst, to walk by faith instead of fearing the worst. Pain made me stop and think, consider my feelings and evaluate my beliefs.

Pain made me release ungratefulness and opened my eyes to ways I have been blessed. Pain caused me to surrender my will and invite opportunities to sit and be still.

Pain awakened my senses and increased  awareness of my defenses. It informed me that I was alive, capable of feeling and experiencing life.

Pain taught me unique lessons that ultimately led to glorious blessings. Pain made me view certain obstacles as opportunities to discover what was possible.

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and is a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.