Finding the lessons in adversity

By Marisa Geitner, president and C.E.O. 

Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has.

– the Rev. Billy Graham

I recently attended a meeting with some of our agency’s leaders in the Buffalo area and I found myself inspired when we took an opportunity to offer prayer requests. As you might expect sharing those moments left us with heavy hearts, yet we also saw sincere and gentle smiles begin to emerge with the stories.

Whether supporting someone through medical challenges, loss or day-to-day moments of frustration, there was one common experience: On those most challenging days we all seem to walk away with grateful hearts.

Adversity has a way of stripping away all but the most essential. The phones go unanswered, the paperwork is set aside, and appointments and emails are ignored – all are irrelevant in the moment. Our full attention is directed to being there for those we love. It is food for our soul.  It nurtures and strengthens us, sharpening us for the next challenge and opportunity.  It reminds us of the importance of why we’re here.

I am thankful each day to witness the pureness of our care for one another.  It is inspiring. Thank you.