In my never-ending attempt to entertain my toddlers throughout the day, I took them to a free music class this morning at the library. In a room full of parents and toddlers, mine were the only two who refused to sit, participate, or listen. Running amok, dancing to their own music, they were happily spinning circles and running laps around me.



Thankfully, the teacher kept reminding me that as long as they weren't in danger or endangering others, just let them be. Easy for her to say. I could feel all the eyes and judgment upon me. Although the best way I have learned to handle those stares is to never look up.

At one point, several songs into the class, kids still running around like monkeys, I could feel it was safe to say something to the woman sitting next to me.

"Why is it only my kids?" I asked, exacerbated.

"It's not only your kids. It's just your turn," she answered with barely a pause.

That was, by far, some of the most brilliant words I have ever heard. That logic could seemingly be applied to almost anything.

In our lives, how often have you heard or said, "Why does this always happen to me?" I personally want to throw things when I hear others saying those words. In my opinion, what a way to seal your fate and invite more of the same. But I don't throw things when I hear friends say this. I quietly say a prayer for them hoping they will learn their lesson soon so they won't keep drawing forth the same "stuff" that causes suffering.

I don't think the world is out to get anyone. God is not on a vengeance. The Universe is actually impersonal. It abides by simple rules. We may experience great pains in our lives, but suffering is a choice.