Last week I was, let's say, gently reminded of the fact that when I may feel that things are going way wrong, life is tough, and when will it get better? They're just not as bad as they seem. I had one of those weeks where when it rains it pours. My Jeep is breaking piece by piece, well, motor by motor (transmission among other parts) and serious hail damage, house needs some major and minor repairs, kids' schools want activity fees for each kid, kids are being kids, my husband broke his foot again, and I am unemployed trying to make a go of my own business with HUGE hopes and dreams. I constantly asked myself, when will it end?
Then, I find out that the girl who is speaking at a business meeting with such great words of inspiration, who has so much passion for her work, and can instantly say something or tell a story so funny you'll pee your pants, has been fighting cancer. The family next door just lost BOTH incomes almost three weeks ago, with no jobs in this area that are promising. The sweet customer who is so excited about setting up an appointment with me but hasn't been able to because her mom had a stroke earlier this summer and then turned right around to bury her adult daughter who is my age. In an instant, my life and my struggles seem so trivial! I am quickly reminded that just when I think I have been having a rough go of things, that somewhere, someone has it much worse than me.
Why do we allow ourselves to get our heads buried so deep in the sand that we forget to rely on God, Who is All Knowing, Who knew that we would be going through these trials before we ever encountered them, and Who will never give us more than we can handle? What a test of strength and perseverance! We don't have to take any of those tests alone! I can always say, on the backside of these tests that I am thankful for them because they shape who I am and push me in the direction that I need to go on this journey.
When life throws you a curve ball, step back, get a grip and pull yourself up by your bootstraps, and remember this perspective. Thank God for the trial, persevere, you will come out on the other side a different person.
Finally, even in the face of trial, don't forget to Believe in Yourself, Be Extraordinary, Dream Big...
Stacey
