Some painters transform the sun into a yellow spot, others transform a yellow spot into the sun. ~ Pablo Picasso
My daughter has a way of sparring a conversation, often leaving you asking more questions than those that were answered. The other day was no different! She’s had her own fair share of difficult times throughout her decade on earth. And this last bout really left her in a philosophical mood, I guess.
She created the analogy of life being a canvas. You only get one canvas and are working on a nice painting. You like your painting. You’re happy with your painting. But someone, either intentionally or unintentionally spills paint on your canvas, ruining your painting. What do you do?
My initial response was pretty simple. Well, you take the mistake, paint around it and turn it into something meaningful. She argues that it isn’t fair. Your original work is ruined. You will never get it back and it will never be the same.
She’s right. You can’t undo the mistake. You can’t right the wrong. The canvas will never be the same as it was before the tragic event. However, you can dwell in the sorrow or you can use it to your advantage. As we say around here, adapt and overcome.
It is oftentimes easier said than done. I used to live by this: “adapt and overcome.” I hated wasting time over problems that truly didn’t matter in the end. It didn’t serve anyone or do anyone any favors. I would rather focus my energy on things that matter and that I could change.
That ideology has come back around in my world these days. It’s been stressful waiting on Big Blue to approve our reassignment. It has been a source of anxiety and attacks of emotional distress. From dealing with medical personnel to the anticipation of the chaos of an overseas move, has been daunting. I look around and things are still in their place as if we’re not leaving in a few weeks.
I do not have the energy I had pre-injury and pre-surgery. I am just now getting to where I am able to kickbox again, so I’m getting there, but definitely not where I was or want to be! I believe that is where the source of my angst. I know when the orders drop, it will be fast and furious. I’m afraid I will quickly become overwhelmed.
The topic of my scripture journal for this month is “Be Still” from Coffe with Starla. One afternoon after the discussion with my daughter with thoughts of everything I’ve been through this year and the chaos that was about to erupt, the serenity prayer entered my thoughts. God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
More specifically the question, “Can you change it,” resounded inside my head. I immediately answered, “no.” And then the assertion to stop worrying about it! And somehow I heard “I told you I got this. Now leave it.” Call it what you want, but I’m certain it was God telling me to get my act together!
Paul advised the church in Philippi, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13, NIV).
In all things and in every situation, be content. How? This world can certainly complicate things. It is easy to become overwhelmed when we focus on the problems that swarm us. This tactic of Satan has worn down many believers. Once we take our eyes off Him, we become vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Equipped with the armor of God, it’s important that we keep our eyes focused on Him.
Have you ever felt let down by life? Have your circumstances crushed you? You hold on to the One who won’t ever leave you (Matthew 28:20). He is capable of more than we could ever hope or ask for (Ephesians 3:20-21). Simply keep going. Avoid turning to the left or right. Despite what tell ourselves or the world tells us, hell cannot separate us (Romans 8:38). We’re going to make it through!
If you are struggling, please know that you are not alone. If you need someone to pray for you or even with you, feel free to email me. I would be more than happy to be there for you! Remember, Jesus loves you and so do I! I’m glad to call you a friend
