HopeFul Reflections

No one likes to feel pain. It’s a natural impulse that tells us something is wrong and we need to avoid whatever is the root of this pain. However, we are not basic animals. We have, hopefully, thinking minds with which we can observe pain. The pain not the only thing we can observe. We can also choose to notice our perception of pain and what we choose to do in response.

When pain strikes we judge it’s intensity and then its character. We first assess how serious the situation is and try to make a plan or act out of instinct. When life provides us obstacles it reveals the frailty of our realities and our egos. It gives us a chance to really assess a situation. When we think ourselves strong and capable of withstanding the oceans or bear the weight of mountains, pain humbles us. We say we are good people and then when someone asks us to fight for our beliefs we may list a plethora of excuses.

On the other hand we may also test our mettle and see what we’re really made of. We have the chance to see the strength God has provided us and even to see how faithful we are. I’ve always been afraid of becoming like my younger self. Back then I was a boy who was terrified of adversity and one who constantly needed comfort. However, in completing one of the hardest years of my life I’ve found that my character was far greater than I gave myself credit. I did not crumble and distract myself with food and games as I did when I was a kid, I forged my way forward in the way I feel a man should. In times of crisis I turned to God and he always provided me strength. Not every event will go to my liking for I do not know God’s plan, but I can always count on God’s strength to help me bear it. I can always have faith that God is with me through it all.

I have a story of incredible adversity I’d like to share. I recently celebrated a family member’s birthday. At this birthday, there was this chocolate mousse cake with sponge-like bread. It was simply amazing. As my little niece was circling around the couch where I sat and enjoyed my cake, she would gently say “cake” ,”cake” and continue on with her revolutions. However, with each turn she eyed the cake more and more. I will admit I don’t have a sweet tooth, I have sweet teeth. The idea of sharing this cake which I allowed myself to have one slice of while I’ve been on a diet was actually troubling me. I thought to myself, “can I really call myself a good person if I can’t give this child a piece of cake?”. The story ends with me sharing the cake, but it was a much harder choice than I like to admit. Of course, I was exaggerating in saying this was a story of incredible adversity, but this was a small trial where I was tested with regard to my selfishness. I know I have issues with selfishness when it comes to food in particular. I’ve even made it a rule to ensure my girlfriend always has the first bite of my food or I may accidentally inhale the entire dish before she has a chance to sample even a little. This interaction with my niece was my chance to see my progress and test myself. As silly as it is, and we may often see man of our trials as silly, it was conscious choice I had to make to better myself. Each choice we make in a trial is a step toward being better or eventual decline from lack of fortitude.

When trials and pain come along, it is our duty to meet them readily as a chance to test our strength, our faith, and our values. It is easy to say that we are good people and will always do the right thing when we are comfortable, but it’s an entirely different thing to prove it in times of adversity. I want to see personal growth and to overcome my fears and so that is why I seek challenges and to hopefully face adversity with bravery. When things are difficult I pray….and write on this blog haha, pain also happens to be pretty good inspiration for writing and reflection. I hope you all are able to face the challenges of your life and when things are difficult I invite you to pray, as this has always been ultimate bastion of strength.

-JKG