Sensitivity and suffering

Over the past few days, I have written much about happiness and joy but that does not make me insensitive to what is happening in the world around me.  I am well aware of the challenges that face many in my family and many of my friends.  I have my own challenges that must be faced. I just made the choice for a little while to show good, to let me know and hopefully others that there is good along with the suffering. I wanted everyone to know that perspective is important in how you live your life.

Case in point-- Early this morning a loud thunderstorm woke me up from a sound sleep.  My dog was whimpering and the rain was pounding the windows... I touched my dog on the head and said, "Annie go back to sleep, it is just a thunderstorm."  Then I breathed a sigh of relief and said,  "Thank you God, it is good to have a new roof."  Annie rolled over and went back to sleep and so did I.  This time last year, rain meant disaster with a roof that had large gaping holes. I would have had to jump out of bed and empty containers full of water.  This time a few months ago, Annie would have cried and paced through all the lightening but I have been working with her to stay calm and this morning she finally trusted me.  Choosing to be happy and trying to look on the bright side of life does not stop storms from coming.  With work and faith,  the challenges can be met. so the rain just becomes a normal function of nature again.

There are those close to me in my life that are facing huge challenges.  I feel for them, I literally feel for them.  I am well aware of how hard it is to keep your faith when your body does not cooperate by being healthy.  I know what it is like when I felt betrayed at work and realized that my security and freedom had been challenged.   I have faced my own death and the death of others close to me, and that has never been or will be easy.  I have accepted bankruptcy as a way of life only to be given an opportunity to resolve the financial disaster in a way I didn't think was possible.  And the list goes on and on and on.

I am not bragging.  Just thinking about what I have accomplished overwhelms me.  When I look back at how I did it, I am incredulous at what happened.  I did not face these challenges by myself.  I had a wonderful support system who helped me not give up.  Most important of all, I had God with me.  I was willing to do whatever was necessary and God gave me the opportunities to face the challenges and the strength to endure the suffering.  I did not accomplish this is my life....WE DID.

So today if you are feeling angry, depressed, overwhelmed, sick, tired, exploited, exhausted,  or any other negative feeling.  It is okay.  You have the right to feel that way.  You are justified.  I understand.
God understands.  Now what are you going to do with that emotion?  You can hold on to it forever or you can work with God to face the challenge and the suffering.  There is a time to feel so take all the time you need to really feel.  And there is a time to fight.  When you are ready, God will be with you and so will I.  I can't read minds so you may have to tell me what I can do, but in the meantime, you are in my thoughts and in my prayers, because I really do care.

May God give you strength and courage.  May God bless your life.  Amen