We are recognized for our strengths. We want to brag about our good fortunes. But what about our weaknesses and misfortunes? How often do we even acknowledge those?
In work and school, some of us take aptitude and "strengths" test, such as the CliftonStrengths Test and VIA Test. Once we review what our top five or top 10 strengths are, we naturally like to see what areas we're weak in. We don't share or talk as much about our weaknesses as much as our strengths, and probably don't even work on strengthening the areas we're weak in. Why? Maybe because we don't want to work on things that are hard for us.
We don't talk as much about the amount of times or money we lost in the lottery as much as we talk about the wins. We complain about things not going our way more often than reflecting on the positives of unexpected outcomes. Why? Maybe because it feels better to only highlight the things we view as great and things that immediately benefit us.
The thing we often forget is that we are imperfect for a reason and things aren't meant to go our way. Those negative experiences and weaknesses should be talked about more. They are testimonies to help others and opportunities for us to get help and connect with others. These are the moments that bring us to wisdom.
*On the note of sharing wisdom, please check out Dear Future Royal, available on Amazon. It is a book of short letters imparting wisdom from Christian fathers to children of any age, even adult children in need of words of encouragement. Check it out here: https://a.co/d/1dwzNZC