Sometimes people come into your life and you know right
away that they were meant to be there . . .
to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson,
or help figure out who you are or who you want to become.
You never know who these people may be, but when you lock
eyes with them, you know that very instant that they will affect
your life in some profound way.

And sometimes things happen to you,
at which time may seem horrible, painful and unfair,
but in reflection, you realize that without overcoming
those obstacles, you would never realize your potential,
strength, will power, or heart.

Everything happens for a reason.
Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck.
Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness,
and sheer stupidity, all occur to test limits of our soul.

Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved,
straight flat road to nowhere safe or comfortable,
but rather dull and utterly pointless.

People you meet affect your life.
The successes and downfalls that you experience
can create whom you are, and the bad experiences can
be learned from. In fact, they are probably
the most poignant and important ones.

If someone hurts you, betrays you, or breaks your heart,
forgive them, because they have helped you learn about trust
and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.

If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not because
they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and
open your heart and eyes to little things.
Make every day count, appreciate everything that you possibly can,
for you may never experience it again.

Talk to people and actually listen when they talk to you.
Believe in yourself, as God entrusts care to you,
and go out and live a life which would be pleasing to Him.

Whatever it is you do, don't take your eyes off Jesus,
or all you will see is obstacles before you.