Why do we fall?

This post-election Wednesday, I find myself going back to this quote that we hear a few times during The Dark Knight series (from Bruce's father and Alfred) - 

"Why do we fall? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up."

It's always been a quote that makes me think. It came up again about a month ago when a group of us were having a discussion about the motivational use of a different quote when this quote would have been more appropriate. Since then, it's been on my mind.

Which brings me back to today. In the aftermath of yesterday's conflicting events, this has been one of the only things I can think in my brain today. Mostly because a dear friend of mine lost a race that meant a lot to him. But I'm also seeing my challenges in the sentiment.

But what I want to add to this quote are two additional statements to add to why we fall:

1) To show others how to pick themselves up: These are the moments that we can choose how to pick ourselves up, and that sets an example for others when they fall. We have the opportunity to show our family, friends and others what our character looks like when we pick ourselves up.

2) That sometimes, it takes a little longer to pick ourselves up - and that's OK. Everyone handles things differently. After we fall, there can be obstacles - another fall, an injury, something that kicks you while you're down. But we need to be ok with how we pick ourselves up and how long it takes. And that means being ok with it, despite how quickly others think you should have picked yourself up.

So whether we trip and fall or take a major spill, there is a reason. If we never fell, we would have no idea how to overcome things. We may miss out on an opportunity.

Knowing this doesn't take away the pain, but it can give us some perspective when we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. And when we pick ourselves up, we can end up heading down a new path we never thought we'd go down.