Gloom, Despair and Agony on Me!

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.