We sometimes need the rain, the tears, and the valley experiences to make us stronger.  They teach us valuable, unforgettable lessons.  Most of the wonderful experiences that we recall from our past are associated with rough times.

      A young man once looked at a quilt that his mother was working on from the bottom side.  It was a mess with strings hanging all over the place and rough ends showing.  However, when it was all finished and the mother lifted him up so he could see the finished product from the top, he beheld the beautiful craftsmanship.  Every piece was perfectly in place.  It was the most beautiful quilt he had ever seen.

      When we get to the end and look back on our life from God’s perspective, we will realize that the Lord so lovingly and tenderly has worked everything out for our good and His purpose!     ~~