As we struggle through life's challenges, we sometimes look at others with a feeling of envy. That envy can turn to anger. Why do all the bad things happen to me? Why do other people have such good lives? What did I do to deserve this? But, isn't this anger based on a false assumption: that others aren't struggling too?
Even the world's richest man appears unable to buy happiness. As we watch online tirades, arguments with politicians, and manic public displays, we realize that wealth is no guarantee of peace and tranquility. It certainly does not guarantee happiness.
Not everyone has to worry about where their next meal will come from. But we all crawl through a life of thistle and thorn, relentlessly approaching the same final destination. Realizing that our fellow humans also struggle helps us see them in a different light. Perhaps our envy can turn to empathy. Perhaps our anger can turn to compassion.
Will this ease our pain? Maybe not. But if we treat each other better, might that be enough?
