We are in a culture that promises quick results with little
effort. We are saturated with messages that tell us we can get
exactly what we desire by buying into a new idea. And then put a sense of
urgency on it to seal the deal. That’s how I end up with all these unused
fitness Groupons.
The truth is, whenever we are facing a change, either by
choice or by force, we have to honestly confess it is going to be hard. It’s
because relying on our willpower is not enough. We are not enough to save
ourselves. And we are going to need to forgive ourselves, be kind to ourselves,
because we will mess up. Not everything will go according to plan.
God constantly reminds me how much we need Him. I can’t even imagine how many times I had to come before Him, feeling embarrassed that I messed up yet again, like when I broke Lent even though I set my own rules for that…or because I had sinned again, putting a worldly idol before my faith…and He again and again tells me to come forth and receive forgiveness. He patiently listens to me blabber on and on about my faults, redeems me, loves me and sends me along my way with fresh encouragement and feeling chipper.
It is not easy being a dad when you are God. If I were in
His shoes, I would not want to be a parent.
When we are faced with something difficult, be it resisting
too many delicious fatty food options (a first world problem
#TheStruggleisReal) or something much more serious, what can we do? How can we
remember the pain of that initial moment of uncertainty so we don’t repeat the
mistake? Perhaps it’s experiencing the pain enough to leave an imprint. God
knows how long it may take. It might take a lifetime.
I once read in a magazine, "The hardest years are the
most wonderful memories if you manage to survive them.” I thought
there were so many things wrong with that statement when I read it, but
somehow it stuck with me. I think it does ring true in many aspects. When we
look back at our lives, we usually remember hardships and funny moments, but
our content, peaceful days are not as vivid. If we are strong and can get
through hard times, we can definitely look back at it with ease and a feeling
of accomplishment.
