How many times in a lifetime has that statement been uttered? Far too many to count, but time after time when things get rough those are the two words that come to mind. Look around other people seem to be on top of the world – life never seems to be a struggle. When others breeze through life we are always in the trenches. What is wrong with this picture? What do they do so right? Why are we missing out on life’s good times? Actually it is none of the above.
No one is exempt; everyone goes through life’s trials and tribulations. When we are in the trenches we are not aware of the other person’s trials. Take some time and actually sit down with another who seems to have it all together. It will open one’s eyes to learn about the struggles they have incurred in this lifetime. Each person who has walked or is now walking on this earth does not own a “Get Out of Jail Free” card. Every one of them has served time in the trenches!
Life is a learning experience – how many times has one heard that phrase? Youth is impatient with life. Whining about wanting everything right now! It is a truism that patience does solve many dilemmas. Yet how many times are those words ignored? Why? Youth does not understand – they have not spent enough time in the grist mills of life. Figuratively speaking those mills tend to grind one down and eventually one will start to heed the lessons and understand the “P” word (patience!).
How can the realization of being on the mountain top be appreciated without spending time in the valleys? The mountains seem so very high and unobtainable when looking up from the valley. But once atop a mountain noticing the valley is impossible. The surrounding mountains block out that view. And being creatures of habit; when one is on top there is a tendency to assume that we will always be up there. Being indestructible is such a great feeling! But alas when we least expect it we are swept off the mountain and tumble full speed ahead down into the valley. Being in the valley is a learning experience. And each learning experience is like a priceless deposit of gold into the bank account of life’s wisdom.
Still as one goes through life it seems that there are so few, fleeting moments of happiness and so many times of misery. Happiness is not something that comes and waits for a person. No, happiness is like a bright balloon that floats on the current of a gentle breeze. Learn to grab onto that balloon and enjoy it. One may grab onto many different balloons yet each one will give us joy; like a clean bill of health; or the wondrous feeling of looking upon a newborn baby’s smile; enjoying a sunrise or sunset as you look up at the heavens; or the age old uplifting feeling of being in love.
So next time before you utter “Why Me?” Instead say “Why Not?” You will learn that every cloud does have a silver lining!
9 comments:
hello shar
what a wonderful article. thank you for sharing your blog spot!
stacers
Stacer -
Coming from such a great teacher - I value your compliment!
aww shucks, thanks shar
stacers
Dear Sharleigh,
What a great idea to start a blog even though I have never been on one and don't really know what they are!!! I enjoyed your article. It's hard to see the silver for all the black during a trial.
Karen Keyte
Hello Sharin,
The site looks great!
Looking forward to visiting it often.
As always, love the writing.
Jeffery Lee
Thanks - I really appreciate the time you have spent reading my entry - a new subject will be posted tomorrow - hope you enjoy it also!
1 Peter 1:3-9
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
I know the Bible text is a little long, but it is so important to see the context of Peter’s writing. How wonderful it is that we have this man, “Impetuous Pete” as one pastor likes to call him, to serve as an example of someone who learned the value and reward of patience. What I love so much about his example personally, is that I can see that in Peter’s life it was a journey, not an event. That gives me hope, and helps me minister to others.
It is just as you said, Auntie, “No one is exempt; everyone goes through life’s trials and tribulations. When we are in the trenches we are not aware of the other person’s trials.” It is one of my deepest desires right now, as I endeavor to serve in ministry, to communicate that truth to my church family, that they would fully come to understand this, and realize the incredible value and contribution they personally make, when they support each other in trails. If we would go to church with a heart that wants to serve others, more than then it wants to receive, then, I do believe that we would see the trials of our brothers and sisters.
And how much better it would be for all of us, if whether in our church, or in our communities, we remembered that principle, and acted on it? It might just make our community a nicer place to live.
Jeffrey
Hey Bud,
As always, your words have touched my heart. Keep doing what you do, it's not unnoticed.
Gary
Dear Shar, loved your articles and as a knower of the valley and a visitor of the mountain top, you cannot have one without the other at one time or another. In the valley it is only a shadow not black. This shadow passes and you learn to understand others and that things aren't always as they seem looking straight on. Then the beautiful mountain top where you can give thanks to God for the valley of learning. Just a little insight from another Psalm 30 girl. love ya.
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