Truth in a Nutshell

Suffering

Suffering is the very best gift he has to give us. He gives it only to his chosen friends…
My God, I choose the whole lot. No point in becoming a saint by halves. I’m not afraid of suffering for your sake; the only thing I’m afraid of is clinging to my own will. Take it, I want the whole lot, everything whatsoever that is your will for me.

Therese of Lisieux, quoted in Hannah Ward, The Lion Christian Quotation Collection

***

Do not let illness dishearten you. Troubles are tokens of the holy Master’s grace, and the result of your own past actions. Continue devotion as far as possible, under the circumstances. This is the duty of the disciple who no longer cares for the changing scenes of mind and matter. Pain and pleasure, honour and dishonour, poverty and wealth, none of these can influence the attitude of his mind. He does not pray that troubles shall be removed, but rather that his heart be always filled with love and gratitude. As Guru Nanak said:

If you send me hunger, I shall be filled with thy Name. If you send me miseries, I shall enjoy them as pleasures. If you grant me happiness, I shall bow to thee in gratitude.

Although the above applies to the state of mind of a perfect disciple, you should try your best to attain it.

_{Maharaj Sawan Singh, Spiritual Gems}