I have to admit that I love watching Christmas movies at this time of year. There are often deep and meaningful messages of inspiration woven into the plot. Here’s a line that really touched me recently. “Sometimes it is the most difficult roads that lead to the best places.” Here’s what the angel from the cheesy Hallmark movie told a desperate mother of three who decided to divorce while on Christmas vacation with her family. The angel was encouraging the mother not to lose hope and to leave the marriage before the wonder of a loving relationship could occur.

Of course, like all Hallmark movies there was a happy ending, but before that happened there was a moment of confusion and misery. Her husband, with the help of another angel, had a spiritual awakening and realized how selfish he had become working all the time, and the wife learned to ask with love for what she needed and to appreciate her husband in a way. new. The children were hopeful again and the family left their snowy vacation cabin in the woods to return home and start over as a loving family that could show their love for each other. How often in our own lives do we consider giving up on a dream, goal, or skill when success may be just around the corner and we simply need to get through tough times to get there?

I know from personal experience that perseverance in the face of difficulties can be frustrating and that choosing to quit smoking can seem like an attractive solution. However, on the other hand, the ability to stay the course and not give up can bring some wonderful surprises. See the benefits of being able to deal with limitation, conflict, and loss as a way to deepen your connection to your infinite self. When life doesn’t give us exactly what we want when we want it, we are pushed to grow, accept circumstances, and find peace in the midst of the storm. I remember when I was in my 20s and lost two babies during pregnancy, one at 6 months and one at 4 months. I thought I could never have a baby and wanted to be a mom more than anything. That period of doubt and darkness and losing faith in life pushed me to redirect my energy to find acceptance of a plan bigger than my own. After a while, although I was somewhat scared, I became pregnant again and my baby was born full term and was born at home surrounded by love. She was beautiful and healthy and I was relieved and happy. If I had given up, I would never have known the joy of being a father.

We may not understand why situations are not unfolding the way we plan and we may be struggling with difficult times right now, but on a soul level, I believe that each of us has a destiny to fulfill which may include difficult paths. that lead us to the best places in life. And perhaps, as in the Hallmark movie, the universe will send angels to help us on our journey. As I recently heard from a friend, “Don’t give up five minutes before the miracle.”