I guess the key is how I handle mine.
I want to face mine with hope, faith, intentionality, positivity, and determination. I’m pretty sure that I’d be farther along if I could get my head around:
1. God uses adversity to shape my character.
2. The difficulty I’m facing might be easier to handle with the help of a friend.
3. My struggle ought to develop compassion for others who struggle.
4. On the other side of it, the problem doesn’t seem that big.
5. It’s probably not always about me. Maybe. Possibly.
What lesson have you learned from difficult days?
3 Comments
Drew LeWay · September 7, 2012 at 8:37 am
1. That most of the time, it’s not difficult days but weeks, months…
2. Really watch who you share your “difficult moments” with. I found out there are five responder types. A. Those who grace you with love (desiring your highest good) not just acceptance. B. The “deer in the headlights” syndrome or the frozen stare as their thoughts scream out; “I don’t have a clue what you’re saying.” C. The semi-pro counselor that has all the answers, all the time, even before you open your mouth and because of their great wisdom, you never get a chance to explain your hurt. D. The gossip monger. Your private chat will be on facebook, CNN, BBC and any communication outlet before you finish the conversation… but it’s for your own good. And last, E. Those who just don’t care or even worse, are glad you’re going through the “difficult days”. Just some thoughts on the subject…
Michelle · September 7, 2012 at 9:30 am
Agree with #2! And I would add a couple pieces to point A.
A.1. Those who grace you with love, and listen well as you share (but may not follow up later).
A.2. Those who listen well and then do something to walk alongside you in the difficult moments (be it by checking in, praying, taking you to lunch, etc.) And I think it’s people who have faced really difficult times who tend to extend more grace. But that’s more an intuitive theory based upon my own journey than a fact from any kind of empirical study.
Thomas Leach · September 7, 2012 at 8:37 pm
I just love that cartoon.