Thankfulness in Crisis

I recently received a meditation from Rabbi Brian (Religion Outside-the-Box) called “What I’ve Learned in a Week.”  He was referring to election week and he offers five thoughts:

            1 – Disappointment hits hard.           

            2 – The best way to console someone who is bereft is to sit with them (or yourself) in silence.

            3 – You don't get to choose the crisis that will transform your life.

            4 – Continue to live your morals, your kindness, your faith and your hope. 

            5 – Be there for others.

It was the 3^rd statement that I was most drawn to: 

                       

I don’t get to choose the crisis that will transform my life.

I do have to live through the crisis. I have to get up each morning and make the best of things that I have been given.  Although I may be disappointed and heartbroken, I have to continue living my morals, my kindness, my faith and my hope.  I have to be there for others who may be feeling the same way.  And one more thing, I have to be understanding of those who do not feel the crisis or do not believe they are affected by it.  It is in rising to this last task that the crisis will be given the opportunity to transform my life.  And for that, I will be thankful.