Adversity and struggle is not our enemy. We tend to think we are being punished when we face difficult people or situations or suffer loss. Job refused to give in and blame himself, even when his friends pressured him to do so. He was able to bless God even in the depths of pain and despair. In the end, God did not explain everything to him - it was too much for him to understand. Basically, God says 'Trust me!' We are never far from God: in fact, we are closest to God in our suffering.

Children are the first victims of war, violence, and famine. They are helpless and at the mercy of the mess that adults create. God has a special love for children; every child is a new beginning and a source of hope for the world. Jesus wants us to be like them - not childish, but childlike. Until they are taught otherwise, children are not cynical or negative. They are filled with wonder and open to new experiences. Life is a source of joy for them. They are willing to believe, and they are not afraid of their imagination. They do not suffer from an adult sense of guilt and shame. Sometimes our response to life is a bit too 'adult' - maybe we need to learn a little from the children around us.