A ninety-one year old woman died after living a long dignified life.

When she met God she asked him something that had long bothered her.

If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created
equal, why do people treat each other so badly?

God replied that each person who enters our life has a unique
lesson to teach us. And it is only through these lessons that we learn about
life, people, relationships and God.

This confused the woman, so God began to explain.

When someone lies to you it teaches you that things are not always
as they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the
masks people wear if you want to know their heart. And remove your own
masks to let people know yours.

When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever.
Always appreciate what you have, for you never know when you might lose
it. And never, ever take your friends and family for granted because today
is the only guarantee you have.

When someone inflicts an injury upon you it teaches you that the
human state is a fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as
you can, it's the only thing you are sure to have here on earth.

When someone mocks you it teaches you that no two people are
alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, don't judge
them by how they look or act; instead base your opinion on the contents of
their heart.

When someone breaks your heart it teaches you that loving someone
does not always mean that person will love you back. But don't turn your
back on love because when you find the right person, the joy that one person
brings will make up for all the past hurts put together. Times ten.

When someone holds a grudge against you it teaches you that everyone makes
mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is
forgive the offender without pretense. Forgiving those who have
hurt us is the most difficult and courageous thing Man can do.

When a loved one is unfaithful to you it teaches you that resisting
temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance
against all temptation. By doing so you will be rewarded with an
enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by
which you were tempted.

When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of
all evil.
Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may
be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession
with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.

When someone ridicules you it teaches you that nobody is perfect.
Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not
ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control.
Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned
that there were no lessons to be learned from Man's good deeds.

God replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift he
has.  At the root of all kindness is love, and each act of love also
teaches us a lesson.

The woman's curiosity deepening, God once again began to explain.
When someone loves us it teaches us that love, kindness, charity,
honesty, humility, forgiveness and acceptance can counteract all the evil
in the world. For every good deed, there is one less evil deed. Man alone
has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because
the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often
abused.

When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or
coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a
harsh lesson of reality? When you die will your life have resulted in more
loving or hurting? More comfort or pain? More joy or sadness? Each one of us
has power over the balance of love in the world. Use it wisely. Don't miss
an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction.

Pass this lesson of love on to those you love and to those you   have hurt.
For each person who receives this, there will be a little less
evil in the world and a little more love.

-Author Unknown