Win Some, Lose Some

It can be so hard to relate to another who is going through rough times when all is going well for me. It takes experiencing the hard times to understand what hard times are like.  But I do not think I am alone in that one.  Everyone it seems has hard times.
I really do not think I need to be hauling rocks in a prison camp to know what a hard time is.  I don’t think I would last long in that situation, but mental anguish can be hard to deal with to.  It seems to me a hard time is determined by what I am used to.
Mostly it seems life is a combination of good times and times of frustration.  Like the other day.  I spent hours on something to no avail.  In the end I had to just walk away.  I was frustrated to the max.  But when I returned the situation was solved in minutes.  In my frustration I had been trying to maintain a good attitude.   But that sure was easier when things worked out.
That it is not to say I can add nothing of value or benefit to someone having a hard time when I am not.  If I have been somewhere myself then maybe what I say can connect.  It is a live in hope thing.
I have had others speak to me when I am down, and it has been like a spark that has made the difference for me.  My thinking has changed.  I guess it is like turning a corner that leads to home.
Though I do not think that suffering is ever suffering without purpose.  By definition it is never pleasant.  But in my mind, it need not be wasted.  Maybe all I really want is for it to be over (like my trip to the dentist yesterday).  But I do know my temporary suffering had a good outcome.  The tooth that has caused me all the trouble is way better.
Some suffering may seem pointless but what do I know really?  A lawyer has a hard time winning a case without all the relevant facts.  What I know can be meaningless if I do not know the whole story.
That does not mean I like what I know though.  I may question it.  I may think it is totally unjustified.  But it happens.  I may not understand, but I do trust – and move on.