There is nothing the body suffers the soul may not profit by. – George Meredith

“Adversity comes in many forms, and it is sure to come to everyone. This might seem unfair to those of us who are recovering and trying to live by our faith. But it helps us to know there is some benefit in everything we experience.

“God’s help is always available to us… God always shows us the way out of adversity and makes it an occasion for growth—if we are willing to listen to God.”

Adversity that comes my way can be an opportunity to learn.

– “In God’s Care*: Daily Meditations on Spirituality in Recovery,” June 15
*As We Understand God

Along the lines of the aforementioned excerpt from this morning’s reading, I have come to believe that there is a blessing in everything. Now, I know that that’s a broad statement and some might object, thinking how can that apply to adverse situations such as the pandemic, for instance.

During the pandemic, for a large portion of the population, being forced to stay home provided the opportunity for people to slow down, spend more time with their family, try out new pastimes, acquire more technological experience, etc. I’m not saying it was all peaches and cream, just that opportunities presented themselves that could prove beneficial. It was an occasion for growth.

For me personally, as the pandemic wore on, the nature of work and job locations changed, leaving a permanent mark. I’d already been working remotely before the pandemic. However, as time went by, more jobs became available that were remote. Since I work a contract and knew mine would come to an end eventually, I assessed what the future would likely look like, i.e., would remote work be more of the norm and whether I’d be able to leave the Big City again for parts more rural and with a smaller population, and still be able to earn a livelihood. My guidance from Spirit was yes. And thus I ventured on to moving to my current locale; I have had two 100% remote job contracts in the year that I relocated.

There is some benefit in everything. It is a matter of taking a new perspective of what is occurring, seeking God’s guidance and will, being open to opportunities for growth, and remaining grateful. Perhaps it can be worded more succinctly: Turning lemons into lemonade.