Everyone has a perception of themselves, often different than how others may see them. Sometimes it is good to see things differently, sometimes not. I see myself as being abrasive and strong willed. I try to be compassionate and nurturing, but I fear I may have a low tolerance and empathy for certain behaviors.
The marauders. The victims. The people who are convinced that everything bad and terrible always happens to them and only them. The people that use that as an excuse to justify any poor decision they want to make. It's the cop out for not serving others. For lacking gratitude. For not smiling, not going to church, not taking care of responsibilities or taking responsibility for any of their own choices. These people, bless their hearts, drive me insane!
Perhaps I should be more loving, more patient, more understanding. But frankly, I don't want to. What does that accomplish? I'm a tough love-get off your butt and count your blessings- kind of a girl. Hence my abrasive and harsh perception of myself. :)
But really, REALLY, people lose their children. Their spouses. Their health. People get abused and abandoned and beat....these same people turn to God. They remain strong and faithful. They continue to serve others, sacrifice for those they love, for strangers. A little perspective can go a long way when one is wallowing in their hard, unfair lives.
Now, I don't mean to downplay trials or hardships. Times are rough. Life can be painful. But those that think their excuse for poor, lazy, negative and selfish behavior is that the happy folks dont have trials are wrong. Dead wrong. They simply choose to handle their trials with courage, faith and determination.
Count your blessings. Be grateful for what you have. It can all disappear in a moment. Money woes suck, divorce is painful, parents can be mean, gossip is offensive, health problems hurt. I get it. We are all in the same boat! But the world is beautiful. Our families are forever. Each day is a gift. God loves us deeply and someday all trials and suffering will end. Let's take our hardships head on and conquer them! Don't let your trials define your life and happiness. We have God on our side. We can overcome.
-via my bodacious iPhone
