I realize (in my head) that these issues are temporary, however when you're paying your bills and you simply don't have money to cover everything you need to cover, it causes STRESS. And INDIGESTION. And you wind up YELLING at your spouse because they forgot to buy EVOO at the grocery store. (Yes, I did this tonight.)
Then my cell phone rang - it was a former co-worker, calling to let me know that someone we knew at the company we used to work for was just diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. The man who received this diagnosis is in his mid 40's, the prime of his life, has a wife, 2 young children, etc. His prognosis is very poor as the cancer is already well advanced. He had almost no warning symptoms.
So, when I pulled into the gym, I parked my car, closed my eyes, and thanked God for all the blessings I DO have, and asked his forgiveness for my being such a whiner. And, almost immediately, I felt that wonderful soothing balm cover my spirit.... very difficult to describe.... Paul described it best in Philippians 4:7 as the "...peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension...."
I still have the same issues; nothing has changed.
Just now I have some much needed perspective.
8 comments:
Perspective is key. So sorry to see others suffer worse atrocities but it does help to keep our own realities in check. Here's hoping your load starts to lighten a little.
=)
Yes, perspective makes all the difference in the world. I wish we could make everyone happy and safe...but we can't. We can do only so much and we have to settle for that much.
but I pray for all of those that can not protect or help themselves. I think it is the best we can do.
I hope you can make things better for yourselves....financially.
thinking of you...
hugs, suz
Good reminder, Happy Wife. I feel your pain. These days finances are tight for everyone (except oil execs, CEOs, certain medical specialties, and military contractors).
When I'm feeling overburdened I like to read the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter/magazine. It reports on Christians who are having infinitely greater problems than I am facing.
Interestingly enough, the latest issue was about efforts to reach out to those affected by FARC...and even to FARC members themselves.
Oh, we'll be fine.
Honestly, this time next month I'm sure this will just be an unpleasant memory. I just tend to get very melodramatic at times (courtesy of my Drama training at NYU, I suppose...) :-)
Thanks for the thoughts though, girls.
My little problems are such SMALL potatoes compared to so many people. Life can be so painful for so many...
I will have to check that out, Deron. I'm sure that will be very encouraging as well.
I recently bought a book by Watchman Nee.... are you familiar with his story? Really a powerful story... I'm looking forward to reading it.
I hope you are doing well! You and Jan and the boys have a Happy 4th of July!
How I know what you mean! I'm constantly having to work on the positive thinking. My grandmother used to always tell us to "count your blessings".
She was right!
Awww, I hear you on the financial stress. We're feeling it, too. I almost posted a post so similar to yours about ways to save money except that mine was going to be more of a rant. Yours is much more productive! :P We have an Aldi in town and haven't yet checked it out so thanks for the reminder! :)
we're in the same spot and it sucks. we sold our house just over a year ago and have been renting in an effort to get out of debt. three little girls in one bedroom is enough to make one go crazy.
we still have a ways to go...in the meantime, thanks for the reminder of how good life really is.
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