At every step the child should be allowed to meet the real experience of life: the thorns should never be plucked from the roses. —Ellen Key—
Reality is not always pleasant. More often it’s painful. Accepting that pain, as well as pleasure, is part of the process of growth evens our responses to their presence in our daily lives. Being shielded or shielding another from pain directly hinders the rapture of pleasure.
Maturity is measurable by our response to the ebb and flow of the day, the season, even our lifetime. The vibrancy of life lies in the truth of experience. Myriad opportunities for growth, for rapture, for pensive meditation will present themselves every day. Absorbing from every experience will strengthen our character and prepare us for whatever lies ahead. We cannot hide from pain. And we can grow from pain, whenever it appears.
Today may offer me pleasure and also pain. I need experiences of both to meet tomorrow.