When talking with a friend who’s in the midst of difficult circumstances…I was reminded of time, not too long ago, that felt like a wine press. While not wanting to lecture my friend…I wanted to pass along things I had learned to spare him some of the painful lessons I learned the hard way.

Don’t take the bitterness, hurt and anger from the present or the past…into the future.

Keep your eyes unwaveringly focused on God and the future. Don’t look back.

Remember that God has a perfect plan for you and your future…and sometimes He uses painful circumstances to get you there.

During this time…there’s a sifting that goes on. In that process…you will loose some people and things that were once important. That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The wine press reveals character both in you and those around you.

It reveals true friends and those who are just around out of convenience or necessity.

Forgive, forgive, forgive…and when it doubt forgive some more.

Loose the attitude…it serves no purpose…and will only hurt you as you go forward.

Don’t bad mouth!

When you get to the point where you are so alone…and no one seems to be around or care…that’s where you will find the quite presence of God. He will strengthen you and you will go on.

You learn more about yourself in the wine press than any other place.

Remember with fondness people and good times. It’ll hurt to do so…but it will be bittersweet.