Not Perfect and Painless

Today I was reminded about the importance of the struggle. There is so much to be gained in struggle and yet we want to get rid of it.  We want to cure illnesses and eradicate diseases. We want to protect loved ones from pain and stop tears from falling.  However, this is completely opposite of the way Jesus lived.  His life was filled with struggle and pain. I'm guessing his mother shed many, many tears.  He did cure some sickness, but he could have eradicated any and all illnesses, yet he didn't.  This tells me, along with my personal experiences, that we gain something from the pain.  We gain a grace that is not getable in a struggle-free life. Jesus came to redeem us, not to make life perfect and painless. Embrace the struggle and see what God does in, around and through you.