life struggles

As I look back over my previous posts, I begin to see a pattern. It would seem that in my more difficult periods of life I decide it's time to blog. Struggles make me want to "wax eloquent". I guess after bumping into my trouble over and over, a little clarity is what I want and writing helps me make sense of my situation. I was looking back over my blogs because I am again, struggling and came to my blogspot to express myself. What's up with that?

Struggles are common to us all. They come, they go. They are huge or they are minor nuisances. Part of our trouble as Christians is, I think, that we spend so much time avoiding difficulties, discomforts. It's part of our culture. Do anything you must to be comfortable physically and emotionally. Eat what you want and don't push yourself to exercise. Sleep late and quit if a task gets too hard. Run from a relationship that is causing you pain. Take the easy road of bitterness instead of the more difficult path of forgiving. The irony is that when our decisions make it easy for us in the present, most of the time the final results of these decisions are much more harmful and hurtful.

So how should I handle difficult circumstances? First of all, I must remember that they are from the Lord. He is in control and nothing touches me that does pass through His loving filters. This truth enables me to understand that there is a reason for each struggle I face. He wants to teach me, to grow me or to draw me closer to Him. I should face the problem head on. Even if I don't know what to do, I can remain faithful, trusting until the path ahead is clear, the next step obvious.

I love the Lord. But way too often my life, my attitudes, my actions support the fact that I love myself more. I am a sorry excuse for a child of God. I caused Him to suffer. And in return? My understanding of what He did for me is totally insufficient to even try to put it in words.

So. As I sit in front of my computer with my head in my hands, I face a crossroad. Will I go on feeling sorry for myself? Being difficult with those who cause me difficulties? Focusing on the hardships of living and missing the wonderful blessings that are all around me?

Well......what will you do?