Life teaches us so many lessons. I have been trying to ask myself “what can I learn from this experience?” when I am going through a really difficult time. Even the good times can teach us things about ourselves and others. I am a huge optimist, even when things get tough. I love looking at things with a positive outlook even when many people might ask the question, “why?” I am saying “why not.”

A few days ago I was cleaning the halls with an auto scrubber, when I noticed large amounts of water was being left on the floor. I checked everything I could think of to remedy the problem, nothing I tried seemed to help the situation. One of the teachers saw me on my knees, then made the comment “that is not a good sign if you are on your knees.” I said in true Pollyanna fashion, “It is always a good sign when you are on your knees” meaning we need to thank the Lord in all things.

After further investigation, I discovered that a hose had been clogged causing the machine to loose suction. What started as an interesting curiosity resulted in solving a several month challenge, trying to figure out why the auto scrubber kept losing more, and more suction. When the auto scrubber stopped sucking up water it forced me to figure out the problem, and I was very grateful the mystery was solved.

This reminds me of another story that took place during the great Chinese Dynasty several hundred years ago. There was a boy that would help his father care for their families farm by taking care of the animals and garden. One day he injured his foot. He was no longer able to help his father with the family chores. The wise father said “we need to be thankful no matter what happens to us.

Soon after the son’s accident the Chinese army arrived in the village requiring the first born son in every family to join the army for battle. The injured son was unable to leave and join the army, saving the fathers son from a more serious injury from battle or even death. You never know what mission you have on earth and what circumstances will help build your character or what your destination will be. I do know being thankful in all things will be a blessing for you, and the people you surround yourself with.