CS Lewis said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” Trying times can threaten to overcome us in the moment, but if we endure, they can often result in great blessings. This month, I want to share a personal story to provide hope and laughter as we push towards the last quarter of 2017. About a year ago, my daughter Katie’s dwarf hamster got out of her cage. If any of you have ever had one of these little buggers, then you know that they run fast and can flatten themselves in a New York minute to escape! Here is the e-mail I sent her that depicts the evening events and the humor and blessings that come from hardships. Katie, last night was a tough night for us, but through the pain, your amazing little soul shined bright. Your precious little hamster Minnie escaped her cage. I had been on your case to fill up her food bowl and finally I said, “You must fill up her bowl tonight.” I was failing to remember that she was your responsibilit