The Gold of Patience, Forbearance, and Meekness

The circumstances with which our Lord has surrounded us are the first stage leading to the kingdom of heaven; and this is the only way of salvation possible for us. These circumstances will change as soon as we have profited by them, converting the bitterness of offenses, insults, sickness, and labours into the gold of patience, forbearance, and meekness.

from The Diary of a Russian Priest, by Aleksandr V. Elchaninov