Mark Twain is quoted as saying “We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it – and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove top. She will never sit down on a hot stove top again, and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore.”
Have you ever been burned by an experience? Ever felt pain from a relationship and were hesitant to get involved in another one? Have you ever served on a team and been rejected or disillusioned? Twain’s quote is accurate however tragic. Every pain has a lesson... every trial a bit of wisdom. But it is tempting to get hurt and completely withdraw from ever doing anything like it again. James 1:4-5 tells us that the purpose of pain is perseverance, maturity, and growth. If you’ve been hurt, resist the urge to never try again. Pick yourself up... seek the wisdom to learn from it... and get back in there. You’ll be glad you did.
