Lost or found? By: Linda Law
Inevitably we are always trying to look forward, or look behind, and while doing that we forget to see the present. We rarely seem to be satisfied with today and what we have or how good life is. Perhaps we are right to feel that way, because obviously…life could be better, richer, fuller, more satisfying for most of us. I’ve heard it said more times than I can count…”I’m trying to find myself.” When did we lose ourselves in the first place? How do we know if we are lost or found?
It seems to me that as we watch television; talk shows for example, there is always someone sharing with us their sad or miraculous story. We laugh, we cry, we have compassion, we are critical, we understand….or sometimes, we don’t even care! Maybe we’ve already been through it and come out a winner. If you aren’t so lucky, perhaps you were a loser and can’t understand why that person had a happy ending and you did not. Too often we aren’t even interested in hearing anyone’s tragic story, since we have already heard it all…and have had enough.
How often have you had a difficult situation in life, when you felt that you could not overcome? During this time of sadness, concern or despair, many have felt like giving up altogether. It doesn’t always matter if people, friends, loved ones offer support or encouragement in our time of need because we don’t want to hear it, at least not then. Why don’t we want to hear what they say? It is my opinion that we don’t want to listen, hear or understand what another is attempting to say to comfort us because we don’t believe that they are being sincere. If they are sincere however, they can’t possibly understand how we feel, can they? No one else suffers or has hardships like me; and that becomes our mantra more often than not. Just as quickly as the hardship enters our lives, we manage to float to the top of the water just moments before we drown, and suddenly the sun seems to shine brighter, the sky is bluer, the sea is calm, and all is right with the world once again.
Wouldn’t one begin to understand that after each loss, we end up being stronger and more secure. What was once a thin layer of skin, now becomes more tough, more durable, more immune. For unknown reasons, each time hardship arises we act surprised, uncertain to how we will get through another mountain. Yet, we do manage to survive, and each lull is what some of describe as a peak…while the more difficult times are called valleys. Peaks and valleys…that is what life seems to be made of; learning to ride the waves, hanging tough and not letting go.
We’ve all read books, articles and witnessed many documentaries that attempt to teach us how to go with the flow, to be positive, to fill our life and heart with words of joy instead of sadness. No matter how much we try to live in this world filled with joy, something always seems to come along to pin prick the beautiful balloon and let out all the happy air. Deflation sets in and the lovely balloon cannot fly…can’t float high…instead it sinks and clings to the ground as it falls. That is how many of us see ourselves, and no matter how much we want to be filled with joyful air again.. to take our glorious place in the universe; only death and despair fill our lungs and there is nothing left. For every sad story in a life, there is always an even sadder one to tell. Sadness cannot be measured however, by size or quantity, because like everything else, it is measured by the beholder. We tend to believe that “life isn’t fair” and therefore, many cling to the belief that God doesn’t give us more than we can carry. The bottom line at times is “why does He give me more to carry than others?” or…. “Why does the bad guy always have the good things happen, while the good people suffer so much?”
Take the person who has so much money that he cannot spend it all. That person generally doesn’t spend it all because he’s too busy make more. The person who doesn’t have is usually the one who doesn’t have because he understands that feeling of emptiness, of needing, so he shares what he has…thereby leaving himself less and less. Sure, his reward will come later we are taught…but what about the guy who has it all, continues to get it, and all the while enjoys life to the fullest…will more than likely have his reward later too! What’s fair in that? Why waste our time dwelling on things we cannot change. If we are honest with outselves, many believe that is “life”, and we still continue to be positive and believe that there are good people going through life just as we are. It is as easy to believe in the positive as it is in the negative…same strength, same effort, so…. Why not simply believe in the positive?
Once we realize that there is not always a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow, that there will not always be a happy ending, the sooner we will be able to deal with reality and focus on making our own positive resolution. That does not mean that we cannot or should not believe in miracles…in fact, we must believe…have faith, trust…. Sick people do have miraculous healings, bad marriages end up in blessed reconciliations, hungry are fed, bills get paid, and dreams become reality.
We can write all day and never cover all the “whys” and “why not’s” .. about my life versus your life and so on. The world according to “Me” is not what others want to hear. Through all of the ups and downs, we must never give up on ourselves, and I encourage you to consider the following…..
- Watch my mouth……….. Listen! Don’t give opinions and advice if it isn’t wanted. Remain silent rather than give negative response, or what can be hurtful to others. Words often determine what we do and what we reap. Sow seeds from your mouth and mind that will bring forth a bountiful harvest of goodness.
- Don’t let others decide my values or what they think my value is!.....
- Be secure in myself…. Others should not determine what my self worth is. I should be secure in myself because I have Christ/Goodness in me, and He is the security that I need.
- No weapon formed against me shall prosper!..... Do not allow others who form against you determine your life and hamper your reaching goals that you have set. God/Goodness lives within me, and He is who I shall follow, because he loves me and wants me to have a happy life.
- Smile and remain joyful…. Even when it is difficult. Do not return negative for negative…instead smile or praise, give positive to those who find fault with you.
- Stop complaining and whining…. Remove the negative thoughts and words from coming out of your mind and mouth. Ask God to help you through times when your first inclination is to complain or be negative. Keep a joyful spirit, and soon the very thing that has upset you will begin to fade and seem less worth the trouble.
- Keep Joy in your everyday life….Present a joyful spirit to everything that you do. Enjoy your life, friends, family, spouse, money, work, home, and playtime. Enjoy the love we give and get from and to others.
- PEACE… develop and maintain a peaceful spirit. If you have peace and understanding… peace will become a natural part of you.
Focus on how to be a blessing and not how to be blessed. The answer can be found within you. When you bless or become a blessing to others, God will surely bless you in return. He loves you unconditionally, and He sees you in a positive light. When we give hope or encourage others, we begin to be filled with the same wonderful gifts… beyond measure!
Linda law
