My setbacks are not obstacles thrown in my path by contrary luck or fate or even by the ill-will of others. My setbacks are my failures to deal with the difficulties of life in a spiritually mature way, with patience, equanimity and personal grace. These setbacks are frightening and painful, and they remind me that although I have traveled this road for so long, although I have studied and prayed and read and meditated, that I can be a beginner again. These setbacks are learning moments for me, making me reopen my mind and heart to the possibility of future progress, of more grace, of better response to life. My setbacks are stepping stones on the path of humility. Thank God.
Nick Hilton - Reflections 