From a devotional I recently read:
“As a parent, it’s difficult to see our children struggle. We’d prefer to shield them from the trials of life. So intentionally placing our children in the path of mockery, persecution, and self-denial does not come naturally. But we need to be reminded of James’ words that trials should be a cause for rejoicing because they produce character and make us into mature people who lack nothing (James 1:2–4).”
My thoughts:
This is similar to what Marcus Aurelius says regarding obstacles and how we need to lean into them. Embrace the challenge. It may be difficult to face at first, but eventually we will see that we become better, more complete people by facing adversity. Instead of finding a way to avoid the obstacle, the obstacle becomes the way. And we will be all the better for it.