Why does it have to be so hard?

January 28, 2009

by Steven

We thought you might enjoy hearing a bit of wisdom from a Star, Acabar, as he explains this question to a boy Tulo. The book is called The Gift of Acabar, by Og Mandino.

“If you had been born in luxury you wouldn’t have this marvelous opportunity to make yourself strong and resourceful through your own effort. To struggle is the only certain way for anyone to achieve his full potential. Did your mother give up when your father was taken from you? No! You should have learned from her example. Instead, you’ve done little but heap pity on yourself!”

“I can’t help it. I do try, but life seems so hopeless for me. I can’t even walk like other people.”

Acabar’s voice was like thunder. “There are other stars up there, stars like Beethoven, who was deaf… Milton, who was blind… And Lincoln, who lived in terrible poverty, far worse than yours. Hear me, Tulo! Adversity is not a curse, it is a blessing. The brightest stars in heaven are those who have been tested in the furnace of tribulation. Show me a human being who has never suffered adversity and I’ll show you the most unhappy person on earth!”

Slowly the star’s color turned a deep blue and his voice was soft as he continued.

“Tulo, you live in a world filled with people making excuses for their failure because it is always easier to quit than to keep trying. I cannot allow you to walk that path of despair.”

We hope that you rise above any adversity that you have in your life.