How Do You Handle Problems?
April 6, 2008
It has been said that “into every life a little rain must fall” which is a pleasant way of saying that we all have problems. Each day we wake up with the possibility of unlimited problems and challenges. Some small and annoying and some large and potentially devastating to our daily life. So how do we handle them? How do we even prepare for problems?
Speaking as someone with the boy scout mentality of “always be prepared” it is especially frustrating that we can not always be prepared for the things in life that fall into the category of problems. Sometimes being prepared for the problem doesn’t even make it less painful or difficult. I was prepared with the knowledge for the probable passing of many loved ones, but it did not make the farewell easier to say. So how should we face problems?
I have come to understand that problems should never define us. They can certainly take us off guard, but as we gain our bearings we should begin to define the problem by our response to it. We are all inspired by the people to chose to look illness in the eye and stand up to it, fighting back. Even if they lose, they are then defined as fighters and not quitters. Our problems then become defined by our response.
Our problems should also make us better. We should learn from them, grow into better human beings with more depth of character, tolerance and patience with others. Our problems should help us help someone else.
Our problems were never meant to be handled alone. The burdens were meant to be shared. Our problems teach us humility and grace. Our problems give those we love a chance to increase their compassion and servant hearts. For those of us who have a relationship with a loving, living God, our problems were meant to help us lean on Him as well, and to know Him more intimately than before.
Problems can’t be avoided, but they can be handled. We should not live life under the cloud of the sad anticipation of a fight we can’t possibly win or the loss we don’t want to endure. Problems are often for a season, and how we handle each new one, gives us strength for the next. Some are meant to be worked through, fought off, and defeated while others are meant to be embraced as a constant reminder that we are not in life alone and we must lean on others and God.
What are you facing today? How are you responding? Lean on someone who cares.
April 6, 2008 at 3:17 pm
A timely article in these days of economic challenges and military positions in Iraq and Afganistan. A reminder we are never alone in adversity or triumph. A good match for a link with http://www.mothers-everything.com since mothers and women set the tone in their families’ world.