Each morning I rise around 4:30 a.m. and NO, I am NOT a morning sorta gal! So why, you may ask do I choose to rise at such a ridiculous hour??? It is because without starting my day with thanksgiving, praise and prayer, my whole attitude is just out of sync and I tend to fail to see the blessings all around me.
Case in point: A few mornings ago, I gave into the flesh's desire to hit the snooze button right through my regular quite time leaving me with just enough time to fly through the house to get ready in time to make it to work. One of those, "I've got this figured out and can do today on my own, God" sort of attitudes. WHAT?!? Surely, I'm not the only one that has done this???
I have about a 35-40 minute commute to work each morning. Because I have to be at my school at 7:00 a.m., I drive most days in the dark. This jouney is along winding country roads with a max speed of 55mph. On this particular morning, I found myself cutting it close time-wise and behind a driver with a max speed of 40mph and no chance of passing on the two-lane, curvy path. After several miles behind him at this speed I was "blessing his heart" repeatedly. (ok, I may have let road rage enter in a little)
A bit farther, I witnessed him dodge a skunk in the road. Since Feburary is the start of the Skunk's mating season, one really has to be on guard for these little fellas as they are EVERYWHERE!!! Of course he/she shared some eau de skunk which is NOT my most favorite fragrance. Immediately, I found myself angry with the man, the skunk, the creators of the curvy road, -- you get the picture.
A mile or so down the road, the song Change My Heart oh, God came on. I actually laughed out loud as the words of the song penetrated my heart. I swear the Lord has a great sense of humor at times!!!
It's easy to stop and smell the flowers and enjoy pleasant things. We can all find the blessings in the good times, when everything is coming up roses. The true test comes when we are forced to stop and smell the less than pleasant aromas, like the skunk, and the circumstances of life that may challenge our faith a little bit more. So, I don't know about you, but I think I'll try to stop seek out more of the blessings in the challenges -- and won't be snoozing through my quiet time again any time soon either!
When I was a little girl my family would faithfully watch Hee-Haw on television. We were hard core I tell ya - I even had my own Hee-Haw overalls! They looked like these. (Please be kind - I wasn't making my own fashion choices at this age yet!)
One of the memories I have of this show was the segment where several jug drinking fellows would sing the song, "Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me." (Watch this video if you have no idea what I am talking about or if you'd like a glimpse back at the past. http://youtu.be/nPL7nN99jno ) After they sang, these woe-filled guys would share their agonies of the day and commiserate with one another about how terrible their lives were ending the segment all in tears, miserable, and seemingly, hopeless.
Have you ever had days like this? (or weeks or even months) You know, that feeling that your life is filled with nothing but trials, heartache, or just general yuck and all you can focus on is the gloom, despair... you get the picture!
Truth is, we all have and as I found myself recently beginning my quiet time with "Ok, God, Seriously?!?" (So glad He can take it and is full of mercy!)
Thankfully, I soon remembered that, while there is a time for sadness and grief and the like, we have to be so very careful not to fall (or in some cases - jump) deep into the pit of gloom and seeming hopelessness like the Hee-Haw guys did.
Have I recently found myself facing several of life's challenges and pains? Absolutely! and I do mean several! - Do I enjoy any of them? May I just share a strong, NO?! - But, in spite of these, I also needed to remember the ANDs in my life as well. Yes, there have been multiple things recently that have increased the stress level of my day to day leaving me a sad AND during this same time I've also been blessed in more ways than I can count too!
Several people have commented recently on how strong I seem to be in spite of the storms in my life.
Oh contrere'! I am weak as a newborn kitten when left to my own devices and there are times I am tempted to dive head first into that pit and throw the biggest pity party to have ever been thrown. I am talking the kind with streamers, party hats, and a huge bowl of pity punch! (I've pondered on this a time or two, can you tell??)
Thankfully, there is a scripture verse that brings me comfort and reassurance and He, my friends, is what strengthens me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
One of the ways that I've found to remind myself of the "ANDs" in times of struggle is to make a list of all of the blessings related to the struggle. - I'm a huge list maker so this is my way - you might create your own way that works better for you.
(terribly weak example and not really a huge struggle, but...
struggle: I am tired and don't want to get up at 4:30 a.m. and go to work while everyone else gets to still be sleeping.
blessings: I am healthy enough to work. I have a job to go to. The pay from my job helps to provide food and shelter for me and my family. I might miss out on an opportunity to bless others if I stay home. etc.)
Instead of focusing on the struggle and risk getting buried underneath it, I look for the blessings that exist relating to it. What if, as Laura Story shares in her song, - your blessings come through Raindrops and there will be good that comes as a result of the struggle? (here's the song if you are not familiar with it http://youtu.be/eOOFAaUGfRE )
Kinda puts it all in perspective, huh?
What are your "ANDs" in the midst of your storms? How do you handle your "gloom, despair and agonies" of life? Feel free to go "out on a limb" with me here and share.
For the record, if you have taken the time to read this post, you have already added to my blessings list for today! - Pity Party has again been postponed - Thank you.
