Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Solomon, in his great wisdom, gave us tremendous insight into life.  Two great lessons in a statement that is easy to understand but often difficult to accept.

Tough times make us better.  Life is hard and we will all face challenges. From difficult people, to difficult situations. From tough classes in school to tough times at work.  Maybe it is losing people close to us or friendships that were dear to us.  The Apostle James wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, [3] for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. [4] And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” in James 1:2-4.  Just as the fire forges the iron so do the fires of life strengthen us.

Some people make us better.  Some people are great encouragers.  Some are always willing to lend a helping hand.  Sometimes it is the person who has been through the fire before that can help pull us through the fire.  We need to find those people and surround ourselves with them!  We also need to be those people!  To others, you can be the person to lend a helping hand, provide encouragement, be a friend, be a mentor, and on and on. For a young person, you can be the person you needed when you were young.  For an elderly person, be the person you will want to have when you are that age.

Welcome the challenges of life.  Let’s surround ourselves with people who make us better and be the people who make others better.