The most recent being: Every choice you make has consequences, good and bad. If you suffer from undesirable consequences as a result of a choice you've made, learn from the pain! Now, this is not an epiphany that is going to shock the world, I realize this. But, it is very humbling when you find yourself suffering painful consequences from a decision that you sincerely believed to be - with all of your heart, all of your mind, every ounce of your being - a good choice. The serious ramifications of such a choice can be so extreme at times, that you honestly feel like you will be crushed from the weight and severeness of the punishment. Yes, this is humbling because while you are frantically searching for the "control Z" so you can undo this pain and suffering, you actually realize that you caused this pain and suffering. Only after you discover your responsibility in the ordeal, do you realize that your only choice is to suck it up and work through the pain and hope and pray you learn enough from the punishment your enduring to never, ever make the same choice again. That's a tough one in my book!
Another is that you can't put your faith in people because they will always fail you. Now, this is not to say that you shouldn't be in relationship with people. The simple fact is that no one is perfect. I've learned it's better to love freely and trust those who have earned your trust, all the while knowing that they - just like you - aren't capable of perfection. So, inevitably people are going to muck things up sometimes and that's life. If you put your faith in God, versus people, then you won't be disappointed. The truth is that while people are prone to failure (I know I've failed many times - and I'm sorry to any and all that I have let down in the process), but God never fails and He always keeps His promises.
Finally, another lesson I've learned recently is that you really can't judge something or even someone unless you have lived it or experienced it in some way, shape or form. Even then, you shouldn't judge. After all, isn't it Biblical? Just not lest ye be judged (Matt. 7:1). Being on the receiving end of harsh judgments from people who are simply clueless about a situation has taught me that you absolutely have no room to judge anyone or anything unless you have in fact have experienced it. And even then, don't judge it. Instead offer your understanding, help and support. Judgments don't help anyone or anything! One thing that goes hand in hand with this life lesson is the fact that for us mere mortals, the truth as we see it and believe it is based on our perception of something. Our individual perceptions are relative. They are developed based on our own experiences. Therefore, it's difficult to fully know the whole truth and nothing but the absolute truth regarding someone or something. As a result, our judgments are most likely inaccurate, despite the intent. The bottom line is that judging is not productive. Do something productive - get off your high horse and help someone or change something. If that someone isn't in a place where they want to receive help, then take a nonjudgmental step back and make yourself available for when the aforementioned person is receptive to your help.
These are just a few of the life lessons I have found invaluable. While learning them was painful, it was worth it. I sometimes forget them and the relearnin' hurts, but it too is worth it. I know that these are just a few of the many lessons I'll learn in this life. My goal is to learn them well the first time so I don't have to repeat them too often along the way!
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