I had a dear friend years ago, she was an opera teacher and a successful singer. She came from a world of culture and breeding. In my entire friendship with this woman, I don't think I had ever heard her raise her voice and certainly not utter a word of profanity. She was entertaining a few people on a Sunday afternoon, her gatherings were always wonderful experiences. We were discussing something painful that was going on in my life and being my mentor, I always hung on her words during these talks. She said to me...."Darling, that is simply an AFGO". I had never heard this said before and was trying to make some sense out of what she might be referring to. Pausing long enough for effect, she said to me,"Another fucking growth opportunity". It was a moment that will remain with me as long as I live. But even after the shock of her words rolled over me, I began to think about it. She was right of course, when our souls are growing it rarely indicates times of joy and pleasure. Growth almost always comes through pain of one sort or another.Which makes it even sweeter to enjoy the efforts once the soul has learned that lesson......
