My heart hurts for the challenges and problems that come to all of us. Each one is wrapped in slightly different paper around a larger or smaller box. Some boxes have so much tape that just getting inside is a challenge itself and coming to terms with the knowledge of what we are dealing with may be equally as difficult as finding a solution or a cure or even accepting what we cannot change. Moreover, we may be given more than one box to open. Some are given intermittently while others come all at once.
Hardships and trials are gifts we would like not to receive though they make us stronger as well as humble. In addition, as we peer inside the box and dig deeper, what is inside can be initially overwhelming. Abuse, addiction, lack of communication, miscommunication, financial setbacks, physical and/or mental health issues, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and war make up a portion of the endless list of heartache.
Yet, as much as we would like to throw in the towel (and don't blame others for doing so), there are amazing examples of those who don't. Today marks the anniversary of September 11, 2001. People and memorials have risen from the dust to bring remembrance, peace, harmony, and hope for the future. Brave men and women who lost their lives are mourned by other brave men and women left behind who continue to live for, love, and honor them.
My discovery this week is a quote I keep pondering and wanting to emulate: "Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future"~Robert H. Schuller.
With all the suffering, misery, and anguish in the world, it would seem much easier to let those hurts rule our hearts. Another approach is by far the harder one, but allows us to learn from the hurts and embrace hope. Instead of being trapped by negativity, we can be freed with positivity. The first choice is filled with darkness while the second choice is filled with light. Adversity and sorrow are part of life, but the outcome will most certainly be influenced by how we handle our challenges while facing, enduring, and/or overcoming them.
I don't want to linger too long in darkness and despair. I prefer to believe there is sun shining above the clouds. With faith in God, help from family and friends, and a positive attitude amidst the storms of life, I trust I can at least imagine the rainbow after the rain. I have seen rainbows before and know I will again; I just need practice in looking for them when in the midst of a trial.
A learning curve "is the time and study that it takes to develop knowledge or skills relating to a particular subject or task." Life's learning curve for developing an outlook of hope rather than focusing on hurts may take days or years of practice, but it is possible. "Men are, that they might have joy"~2 Nephi 2:27. Rodgers and Hammerstein's simple, yet profound lyrics ring true, "When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad."
Some of my favorite things in life I am thankful for...
My grandchildren laughing, dancing, singing and smiling; my children calling me Momma; my husband hugging me; rainbows; sunsets; moonlight; good friends; good books; writing words; playing tennis; talking while walking; arranging flowers; hosting parties; Tahoe anytime; travel anywhere; good food; good fun; change of seasons; holidays; home; temples; scriptures; prayer; forever families.
With all the suffering, misery, and anguish in the world, it would seem much easier to let those hurts rule our hearts. Another approach is by far the harder one, but allows us to learn from the hurts and embrace hope. Instead of being trapped by negativity, we can be freed with positivity. The first choice is filled with darkness while the second choice is filled with light. Adversity and sorrow are part of life, but the outcome will most certainly be influenced by how we handle our challenges while facing, enduring, and/or overcoming them.
I don't want to linger too long in darkness and despair. I prefer to believe there is sun shining above the clouds. With faith in God, help from family and friends, and a positive attitude amidst the storms of life, I trust I can at least imagine the rainbow after the rain. I have seen rainbows before and know I will again; I just need practice in looking for them when in the midst of a trial.
A learning curve "is the time and study that it takes to develop knowledge or skills relating to a particular subject or task." Life's learning curve for developing an outlook of hope rather than focusing on hurts may take days or years of practice, but it is possible. "Men are, that they might have joy"~2 Nephi 2:27. Rodgers and Hammerstein's simple, yet profound lyrics ring true, "When the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad, I simply remember my favorite things and then I don't feel so bad."
Some of my favorite things in life I am thankful for...
My grandchildren laughing, dancing, singing and smiling; my children calling me Momma; my husband hugging me; rainbows; sunsets; moonlight; good friends; good books; writing words; playing tennis; talking while walking; arranging flowers; hosting parties; Tahoe anytime; travel anywhere; good food; good fun; change of seasons; holidays; home; temples; scriptures; prayer; forever families.
New Tower in New York
December 2013
Reflecting Pool in NewYork
December 2013
After I wrote my blog entry, I learned
that a rainbow, a symbol of hope,
beauty, harmony, and promise, had
indeed been seen over Manhattan
beauty, harmony, and promise, had
indeed been seen over Manhattan
the day before on September 10, 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment