Trouble Is a Stepping-Stone to Growth

Trouble is something

no one can escape,

Everyone has it in

some form or shape-

Some people hide it

way down deep inside,

Some people bear it

with gallant-like pride,

Some people worry

and complain of their lot,

Some people covet

what they haven't got,

While others rebel and 

become bitter and old

With hopes that are dead 

and hearts that are cold...

But the wise man accepts

whatever God sends,

Willing to yield like

a storm-tossed tree bends,

Knowing that God never

makes a mistake,

So whatever He sends

they are willing to take-

For trouble is part

and parcel of life

And no man can grow

without trouble and strife,

And the steep hills ahead

and high mountain peaks

Afford man at last

the peace that he seeks-

So blessed are the people

who learn to accept

The trouble men try

to escape and reject,

For in our acceptance

we're given great grace

And courage and faith

and the strength to face

The daily troubles

that come to us all

So we may learn to stand

straight and tall-

For the grandeur of life

is born of defeat

For in overcoming

we make life complete.

(Helen Steiner Rice)