The Bible warns us to be on guard against a root of bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). Everyone faces troubles, frustrations and disappointments in life, but the challenges they present and the determination to overcome them are all part of a plan to make us better and not bitter. Bitterness often results from not working to resolve our troubles and not "making lemonade" out of the lemons life gives.

Troubles come into every life and sometimes they can be overwhelming. But with experience and training, our barriers against those battering storms of life grow higher and stronger. We do get better at handling our lives when we seek advice, gather information, think, plan and then act. That is better.