I have been concentrating on self-improvement recently. The result is not pointed directly at me. It is pointed at family, friends, my home, and life in general.
There is a deep-seated need within me, a need to share my happiness with others.
I do not see the world as an easy place to live. I face my own challenges such as weight gain, constant aches and pains, grown children that do not communicate across the miles, a husband that is out of work and not feeling well, friends that are having a tough time in life…and the list goes on.
I do not share my problems with people often, I share them with God.
Everyone has their own style. My style is to be as positive as possible. There is enough hardship in the world to bring us down without casting my own shadow upon others.
As my good friend, Omar, leader of a local Mennonite church says, “I should not complain.” God bless him. He inspires me.
I went to my shop today to work on a client order. I dug through the CD’s. Today I was troubled with the thoughts, “Should I share my troubles with everyone, or should I give thanks and move on.” I flipped on the CD, The Traveling Light, Songs From The 23rd Psalm.
As I worked I listened. It all became clear to me, “I shall not fear the darkness.”
I shall not fear the darkness. I hope that song sticks with me for days to come.
Life is beautiful. I am thankful. I pray for help, just like everyone else does. I have my moments. I dig myself back out. I am strong, I know I am. But I am also weak. I will admit to it.
For now, I choose to shine as much as I can for everyone around me. It is what I was designed to do.
OK, I’ll try not to fear the darkness. I am very blessed in my home life, that side is fairly bright, but having to go out in the world, sure looks gloomy. But yes, I’ll keep repeating the mantra. Thx Mary.
Joanna, after I wrote and scheduled this blog post last night my email in-box filled. It filled with messages from beautiful people that were having problems, struggling with their life, their evening, you name it…and I pondered. Life is not easy, and it never will be. Can we depend upon people? No we cannot do that. Depending upon ourselves, and your own faith, yes. That is the resolve.
Do not them them rob you for one second of your precious life, Joanna. You hold the key. Don’t let them pass through that gate.
I stumbled upon a blog tonight and will paraphrase the lady’s words..( I’ll get back to you with her name) “The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Jesus…when you see armies of problems marching toward you-cry out to Jesus-allow Him to fight for you-watch Him work on your behalf as you rest in the presence of His almighty power!” I love to read your blog Mary and see how you deal with what life throws at you. I think many others do too, others who might not comment or say so. I am thankful for you Mary, bless you.
I too struggle with the darkness and only recently have begun to fully appreciate how very much He has interceded for me and mine, and how very lost and despondent I would be without Him and His own.
Kathy, I wrote a response to a person that I deeply love this morning. I told the person, in a nutshell, that we will always be faced with challenges, it is how we handle those challenges that makes a difference. If we bask in the self-pity of feeling singled out, we will reflect that entire being in everything we do in our lives. Misery brings on misery.
I am thankful for the wisdom in life. Even the worst of challenges brings on a new knowledge.
And yes, my own faith steps in there…I have learned to quit struggling (even though I sometimes forget), let Him have what it is, because I am not big enough to handle it all.
An inspiring post-for me : )
Attaway, Mary. Our perspective MUST be that everything here is temporary and a spiritual journey. We will come through to the other side, but it’s the journey that counts. God’s blessings to you and your family.
Tipper, I hope you have a great Sunday!
Blessings to you and your family too, Debbie.
It id a challenging journey…and a beautiful one as well.
Hi Mary – Your post could have spoken for alot of us today I think. I was reminded of when Gideon defeated the Midianites. He had too many warriors and God kept paring them them down, first 22,000, then 10,000. God said that was still too many. He wanted there to be so few that Israel and everyone else would know that it was GOD who gave the victory over the Midianites. Gideon defeated the Midianites with 300 men.
Victories are won through God’s power in faithful people. We Christians have God’s power within us to face the darkness, the enemy, the problems in our lives. And it is with God’s power that we can overcome! And your bright, positive outlook certainly will help, Mary! It’s wonderful to be around positive people!
Vickie, that is a perfect reminder of how to slay the giants, keep them quiet, out of our daily lives.
Thank you.