Thank You for Hurting Me

Thank you for hurting me.

When during my frosh years, I did not take the risk to be active in organizations because of my premature “burnout excuse”. This was one of my biggest regrets of my college life.

Thank you for hurting me.

When during my sophomore years I did not get something I thought I deserved – I felt so entitled and I thought then the world was mine.

Thank you for hurting me.

When during my junior years I tried to carry myself and do something that was something I did not really like nor love. I thought it was unfair being stuck, when I think there must have been better things I felt I deserved.

Thank you for hurting me.

When in my senior year, I learned my lessons. To fully know myself first, and never to feel entitled. That self awareness is about knowing what I can and cannot handle. And that one learns best when outside the comfort zone. That humility is a choice, and it will always be tested. That attitude comes first before skill or talent.

Thank you for hurting me.

Because in pain I found the most valuable lessons of my college life. In pain I found the strength to reflect everyday. In pain, I learned that life is about winning personal battles rather than competing in the rat race.

Thank you, Lord, for hurting me.

Because then you fulfilled Your promise, that through the baptism by fire I can be again that mythical phoenix who rises up from the ashes, ever majestic, but self-aware that I’m destined to be consumed and be reduced to humble dust.

Only to rise up again.