Experiencing some loss is a taxing time of a person’s life. It reminds him of a great reality he often forgets and ignores: trials and tribulations are a part and parcel of life; they change form but as long as a person breathes they can come anytime, more so when least expected.

But when they come, it is not the time to get depressed and feel defeated. It is time for some soul searching.

Feelings of anguish and distress at the loss should soon be replaced with review and re-evaluation of one’s life. Sometimes, damage and loss are a blessing in disguise. They serve to correct and redirect a person. The disarray and unsettlement they cause afford him an opportunity to break away from the ruthless routine of life and re-asses his priorities. When a person is wandering in a desert, everything around him looks so deceptively similar that he may serenely tread on a path which actually leads him away from his destination. It is in these circumstances that sometimes stormy winds and jolts of thunder induce him to re-think his way.

But if he wants to see the silver lining behind that dark cloud, he must adopt a positive attitude when he experiences some loss or deprivation. Nothing other than a relationship of deep trust with the Almighty is needed to engender this positive attitude: He is the haven and sanctuary for all of us; and He, in reality, never wishes ill for His creation. We only need to seek and serve Him:

The Lord is the Refuge for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble
Those who know your name will trust in you
For you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalms 9:9-10)