I’ve heard plenty of stories about children padding their pants in anticipation of a spanking. I’ve also heard tales of how painful that discipline was. I don’t recall every hearing anyone speak of how much they enjoyed punishment. Correction is never fun. By its very nature and design, it inflicts pain. And so it is quite remarkable that I have witnessed many a person say through tear-filled eyes and choked voice, “I’m so thankful that my mother and father disciplined me. I wouldn’t take anything to replace those spankings.” This remarkable statement reflects great wisdom. Wisdom recognizes that without correction, every individual will self-destruct. The reason that correction must include pain is that only pain will capture the attention of one set upon self-will. God recognizes this principle, and so, He in love, chastens, sometimes quite severely. How do you look at the pain in your life? Do you recognize it as a teaching tool, as an attention grabber, or do you ignore, minimize, medicate, or push through the pain, determined that nothing will stop you from your desire? Recognize that this mindset is death. He that hateth reproof shall die. On the other hand, do you smile through your pain because you understand that it is a sign of faithful love? Do you see the hand of God in your pain, not tormenting or abusing, but leading you away from self and towards His own embrace? Are you in pain today, and up to this point, haven’t stopped to consider that there may be a message to you that is conveyed through the pain? Today would be a great opportunity to reflect on how you view and respond to pain.