It is unlikely, no matter how evolved our souls may become, that our lives will be free of pain and suffering. The measure of success in spiritual work is the extent to which suffering teaches and transforms us. In this light we can see that dealing with sorrow and misery is what reveals the strength and value of our personal nature. To continue on, to “keep the faith” in our distress, to endure; this is the task. In so doing do we become worthy of our suffering, as a ship’s pilot truly learns how to navigate when a storm rages.
Nick Hilton - Reflections 