They examine the spiritual and emotional needs of children, emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual, and the manifold difficulties which parents, teachers and children encounter as they interact during the wondrous process of a child's development. Suffering is an integral element of our existence here on earth. It is woven through every aspect of our life. One should speak about it, one should anticipate it, one should be prepared for it as much as possible, and one mustn't run away from it. Nowadays, sufferings, sorrows, misfortunes are regarded as some kind of evil to be resisted and avoided at all cost.
People fear suffering.
Life, we are told, should proceed smoothly, unhindered. They are considered to be anomalies, injustices, not the result but the cause of man's wrongs. This way of thinking is instilled in our minds and hearts through the schools and mass media, especially here in the affluent West. As Orthodox Christians, our best defense against unconsciously assimilating this attitude is to understand the true meaning of suffering, as it is presented in the Orthodox Church. And arose on the third day according to the Scriptures.