"Why do men learn through pain and suffering, and not through pleasure and happiness? Quite simply, because pleasure and happiness accustom us to satisfaction with the things given in this world, while pain and suffering urge us to seek a deeper happiness beyond the limits of this world.
The moment I feel a little pain, and I call upon the Name of Jesus - not necessarily to relieve the pain, but that Jesus, He by whom we can transcend this world, may be with me during this time, and His will be done in me.
But in pleasure I do not call upon Him; therefore I am content with what I have, and think I need no more. And why is a philosophy of pleasure untenable? Because pleasure is impermanent and unreliable, and pain is inevitable.
In pain and suffering, Christ speaks to us, and therefore God is kind to give them to us, yes, and evil too - because in all these things we glimpse something of what must lie beyond, if there is such a thing as that. that our hearts desire most deeply...
You, just try a little harder. Carry your cross without complaining. Do not think that you are something special. Do not justify your sins and weaknesses, but see yourself as you really are. And, above all, love one another.”