There are times when it is very easy to become livid at another person who has hurt someone whom we care about. But I am beginning to learn that sometimes, the acts which appear to be very cruel are actually some of life’s greatest gifts disguised as life’s hardest blows. It might take some time to discover how to get the extravagant wrapping off of the gift, but in time the true value is found.
I asked a dear friend recently what originally brought her to Phoenix. She told me that it was a guy, but things didn’t work out because as she put it, “He didn’t like the way I looked. I was too fat.” Instantly, I felt a burning anger towards this person, whom I had never met. But my friend was able to see that even though the relationship didn’t work, it got her to the place where she has built a great life. Still, I was dumbfounded at how a person could be so shallow. This lady is by far one of the most beautiful people I know both inside and out. She would do anything for a friend without a second thought. I know she would walk through hell with me and never even ask why. She is just that loving and supportive. And as for his idea of the perfect body, she is not a size zero but how many of us are? We are all real people with real challenges and flaws but that is its own beauty.
As we continued to talk, I realized that my anger towards this man was now becoming sympathy and gratitude. First, he missed out on spending his life with one of the most loving and loyal women he could ever find. And second, if he had not been as shallow as a saucer, then I would never have met my best friend. He gave up on her but she moved on, found a guy who is perfect for her, loves her dearly and works with my husband. So we would never have met, and I would have missed out on having this amazing, loving force in my life. So thank you to the superficial guy who couldn’t see past those few extra pounds to discover the rare beauty that was right before him. You got her on the path to happiness, and you delivered her into the lives of so many of us who love her and will treat her in the manner in which she deserves. Sorry that the tape on the wrapping paper was too difficult for you to remove and that you missed out on the lady of a lifetime! And thank you for reminding me to be patient and to carefully unwrap every gift that I find on my journey.