2007 is here and with it comes a fresh beginning. I have spoken to many people in the last few months who have told me that 2006 was a rough year for them. One friend of mine lost his father unexpectedly and another one continued to deal with excruciating pain and a myriad of serious health problems. The lists go on and on but the reality of life remains the same: if you live long enough, you will face serious adversity at some point. I believe 2006 was my year to face extreme adversity and to be tested and stretched to my limit. As I reflect back on the year, the thought has crossed my mind that when trials come, we are faced with two choices. We can choose to grumble and complain which brings with it the desire to give up. Or, we can perservere and be thankful for the blessings we have.

I have previously mentioned that I have been blessed with wonderful examples in my life. One such example is a lady I have known all of my life, Lorene Fish. Lorene is close friends with my grandparents and is - quite literally - part of our family. Although she does not know it, I have brought her name up many times over the years in various speeches I have given in several states. I mention her because I know of very few people who have faced as much adversity as she has. In her late 80’s now, she buried her husband over fifteen years ago. She went on to bury not one, but two of her adult children, one of which was in this past year. Her daughter who is still living is handicapped and Lorene gladly takes care of her on an ongoing basis. She has seen financial hardship and, as I understand it, several very severe blows long before I was born.

For most people (myself included, I believe), a small fraction of what Lorene has seen would be enough to cause them to grumble at the very least and possibly throw in the towel. Not her. If you talk to Lorene she will tell you her life is filled with blessings and that God has provided everything she has needed. In the many years I have known her, I do not believe I have ever heard a single complaint come out of her mouth.

Lorene is an excellent example of perserverance in the face of continual adversity. When I want to grumble or feel sorry for myself, I stop to remember that it could always be worse. Of course, Old Testament Job was the ultimate example of perserverance in the face of adversity, and persevere he did. As we look back on 2006 and look forward to 2007, may we take the tougher road when adversity comes our way. May we choose not to grumble, complain and give up, but rather choose to count our blessings, look up, and move forward.