God's way of answering the Christian's prayer for more patience, experience, hope and love often is to put him into the furnace of affliction.
I used to love watching him as a player, so it is a joy to play alongside him. I might take the mickey out of him, but deep down I have so much admiration for him.
I haven't changed much, over the years. I use less adjectives, now, and have a kinder heart, perhaps.