Significant life struggles

I made some new friends tonight and I've spent the last few hours thinking about the significant struggles that some people are faced with. I don't just mean health issues but significant life altering struggles. Like the old adage 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger' I believe that these struggles don't just make us stronger their true gift to us is that they reveal our true character and uncover our darkest fears of humanity. It makes me wonder about my own soul - Am I as attentive to people and their needs as I could be, or should be? Would I love my child as much if it was a struggle to have her near me or to provide for her basic needs? Have a left an invisible marker that someone will connect with years from now when they have a significant life altering struggle in their lives? Will I have helped them recognize and value their humanity? I think of my daughter and all the kids that have spent significant time in our home - my daughter has gone to school with the same kids her whole life and our home is second home to 3 other girls. I hope by my interactions with them, I've planted 'markers' for them to discover as they grow - like I have for my own child.

It's late and I'm rambling but it's a provocative thought process....nite all