I have come to appreciate times of struggle in my life. Not that I welcome a trial or such, but rather that I have begun to see the opportunity it presents. These are the times when character is built. These are the times when you begin to recognize yourself with external coverings stripped away. I hate to hear of people getting upset and almost shutting down during times of trials. I know its painful--but there is no better time to grow close to God and learn who you are in His eyes while at your lowest. This quote is brilliant, and kind of sums it up:"...meaninglessness does not come from being weary of pain; meaninglessness comes from being weary of pleasure. And that is why we find ourselves emptied of meaning with our pantries still full." Ravi Zacharias
To me, this says that trials are actually used to create meaning in our lives. People are more quickly emptied of meaning when their "pantries are full" and everything is in place and right in their world. That is the opposite of what society teaches us to think, yet the parallel of what Christ teaches us to think. Can there be meaning in pain? Absolutely. We usually don't see this in the midst of pain because we can't stop thinking about the bubble that forms around us, encompassing our pain, struggles, hurt, and insecurity. During these times, we live in this small space, so is it any wonder that the meaning that could be gained during this time is lost? In this bubble, there is only ourself and our pain. If you are driving and you look right, eventually you will veer to the right. The result is the same when the thoughts in which you live encompass only yourself and the hurt you feel. Embrace the pain for the meaning and character it is capable of bringing.
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I was told my blog should more closely resemble a newspaper.
Funny, the monologue I read for a Casting call on Sunday was a reporter script.
We're going to have dinner with my older neighbors tonight. They are in their 80s, I think. The man is a funny-type of grouch and battles with depression. His wife is from Brazil, and doesn't understand his sarcasm all the time. It's hilarious. I like listening to old people talk and learning from their experiences. What can an 80 year old learn from associating with a guy in his twenties? Hopefully lots. Should be fun.
2 comments:
I only meant that you should write everyday. It'd be great to have your blog land on my computer screen everyday just like the newspaper lands in the driveway. =)
"Not that I'd want something to be difficult for you, but I'd rather watch you struggle than ignore things, get swept up in the easiest option, or be idle. Struggle makes an outcome more desirable and enjoyable."
I'm glad you're liking your book.
- lou
Definitely on point, brotha. It is through those times that He is strong, and we are developed. The character is built and we are refined into the individual that He wants us to become. It is amazing, because like you said, society doesn't embrace struggles. I think God has begun to change my mindset in that I try to embrace these struggles and trials as opportunities for Him to show up and show out...
Much Love Brother
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