"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." Frederick Douglass
Struggles and challenges are a very real part of being human. There will always be a struggle somewhere -- something you have to work through and the choice will be there....take the easy route and shrink back from the struggle or press in, push through and gain a new perspective, finding a way to renew the heart and move on - that's progress.
Currently for me there are two specific areas being touched by struggle. First, I'm struggling in my health. This is a new thing for me as I rarely ever get injured and I'm almost always healthy year round. I thank God for a strong body and these days I'm praying that God would strengthen my body again to full health. Last week when I fell, I did more than I realized and so I'm aware, in a new way, that this imperfect body is touched by the imperfections of this world. So, I am asking God to strengthen my body. And in the process, I'm asking Him to teach me new things about health fitness, stretching, whatever else I can gain in this struggle towards the progression of a healthy body.
Second, I'm challenged to walk out certain principles I live my life by in a relationship where I have been hurt. Again, this is the very real part of being human. It doesn't matter who you are or your frame of mind, living in this imperfect world, you will get hurt by others in relationships. People will say or do things that hurt you. The question is -- how will you respond? Will you fight for a place of forgiveness and release that person or will you allow the seeds of bitterness and resentment to grow because it's more comfortable to be "wronged" by them?
So without struggle, no progress. There is also something to be said about continuing to do what you know is the right thing to do -- as in loving people and extending another chance when you've been hurt. I'm learning a lot and for that I'm thankful.
"Love is patient; Love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.......faith, hope and love remain but the greatest is love." I Corinthians 13:4,13
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Struggle and Progress - Moving Forward
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2 comments:
I hope you recover soon. It can be frustrating with an injury like that. Take care of yourself and be careful.
I like the second point you make. Its really difficult because you've already been hurt by the same person once - but somehow I believe its always right to forgive. The right thing is always the right thing - what someone else does never changes that.
Really thoughtful post.
Thanks for the well wishes. I really want to get out there and swim today but ouch...pain.
I think being hurt in relationships is a part of being human. We will always be interacting with imperfect humanity but when your moral compass encourages you to believe the best, hope the best and act with the best in mind about others, then I think this is truly thoughtful living.
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