# Year of the ZAO - Day 225

> Even in the mess, the masterpiece remains.

**Published by:** [The ZAO Newsletter](https://paragraph.com/@thezao/)
**Published on:** 2025-08-13
**URL:** https://paragraph.com/@thezao/year-of-the-zao-day-225

## Content

Today’s lesson comes from Rabbi Harold Kushner, who reminds us that everything in life—good or bad—carries God’s fingerprints. It’s easy to see that in the obvious places: a sunrise, ocean waves, the smile of a healthy child. The real challenge is finding it in the moments we’d rather avoid: a personal setback, a hard conversation, or a season of uncertainty. Just because we can’t see beauty right away doesn’t mean it isn’t there—it might mean we’re not looking closely enough. I liked this lesson because it reframes how I view struggle. It’s not about pretending pain is pleasant, but about recognizing that every experience holds some form of value. That perspective has helped me in ZAO, where challenges often feel like roadblocks but end up becoming the foundation for growth, creativity, and stronger connections. If I remember that the difficult person, the frustrating delay, or the unexpected problem is still part of something sacred, it changes how I show up to face it. nexus.thezao.com – BetterCallZaal on behalf of the ZAO Team

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