Contentment

Seems everywhere I turn, someone I know is experiencing trouble, some to a greater extent than others--if there really is a scale.  Terrible Two's.  Dissatisfaction with job.  Weather.  Victim of theft.  Death of loved one.  Stagnant weight loss.  Falling through house sale.  Exhausting work schedule.  Delinquent children.  We live in a fallen world and deal with the results of sin everyday, whether or not our circumstances are related to our personal sins.  Some tragedies and life struggles we can change.  Some we cannot.  Some will change whether or not we do anything at all.  Some will change without our notice.

If we remember that we are always in the care of our Father, and that He works all things for good for those  who love Him, then we should be satisfied with that.  We may not know how, or when, or to what extent.  The good we see may not even be for us even though the struggle is ours.  When it seems that nothing is going right, cling to Him.  Praise Him in all circumstances.  He never changes.  He doesn't always remove us from the storms of life, but just as silver is refined by fire, so are we.  Sometimes we need to endure the troubles of life.  Big or small.

Ask what we need to glean from our struggle.  What should we remember?  What would be of benefit for someone struggling later?  When we meet someone who is currently in a battle, do we pass by without a helping hand or personal touch or love and compassion?  No!  Use your past turmoil and the fact that you are still standing as a testimony of encouragement!

We've been reading through Proverbs for Bible class.  This morning we summarized that there are fools, gossips, sluggards and quarrelsome people, but if we act in kind (out of a need for justice, or whatever the case may be), then we are no better than they.  Are we even worse if we recognize it and do it anyway?

Find contentment in all circumstances.  No one really wants to hear that "everything will be all right" while in the midst of the struggle.  That is detached and unfeeling.  Certainly no one has gone through our specific struggle in the same manor; however there are always similarities and because we can share the emotion, we can be grateful that we are not alone even on earth.  God gives us the "others" in our lives.  He has placed us here, just as we are, to share, to love, to live together and encourage one another.

If we focus on our troubles, we will stay in the pit of despair.  We will not recognize the blessings He has bestowed upon us--even in our struggles--if we do not keep Him as our focus.  Let the things of this earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.  What greater testimony to others can there be than to stand strong in our outward love and adoration for Him during our hard times?

Eye Exam

Is it just me, or does anyone else believe that Punxsutawney Phil needs to have his eyes examined?  He did predict an early Spring this year.  (click here for story)  Perhaps I should cut him some slack since I do live in Indiana where the weather is always changing, but this is the map for the high temperatures today across my part of the country.  This does not look like warm temperatures to me.

This is the view from my back porch.  Pretty, but not Springtime weather.  School was cancelled in town. Other parts of the county experienced delays.  People have been driving a bit more cautiously.  I am ready for Spring!  I want to smell flowers, to hear birds sing, to smell the fresh air coming through open windows, to take a walk without having to add several layers.  Phil, you got my hopes up and have let me down!  ...What?  You say it's only been 4-1/2 weeks since Groundhog's Day?  Ooops!  Sorry, Phil.  You have 1-1/2 more weeks to make sure Spring arrives or you and I are going to have a serious talk about your healthcare....