Growing Pains

Oppression: the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.
As I began 2009, I was indifferent to things happening all around me, and then it hit me. While all around doors are opening wide for Hope's visions and plans, those of us who call ourselves part of Hope's family are struggling each in our own way. Cars brake down, jobs fall through, health falters, personal momentum stutters. It is in this place and at this time that growth is occuring and growing pains are in fact painful. I don't get a choice. There is no easy route. I was not promised an easy route, in fact I was told the road would be hard and the cost would be high. I just didn't listen. I must persevere, for there are really only two options live in God's will and know that He is with me through it all, or choose to not follow his will and live a life alienated from his comfort. If those indeed are the only two options (And I believe they are the only two), then I do choose his will, and the growing pains, and the oppression, for with these things is the assurance even through the frustration that I have joined God in His plans.

wonder of wonders

"Today is the first day of the rest of my life." Kind of a silly statement. Every today can claim that. Today is the first day of my new blog, now that is a bit more unique. I fought with a printer thise week and won. I called the trouble shooting number and did not feel talked down to. Now I am home, procrastinating, or resting before the next task. I guess it depends on one's perspective, which is pretty significant.

How one views a situation can revolutionize how they deal with it. For instance last week I was at the post office. The line was over 10 people long and there was one postal worker helping people. All around me people grumbled and some people turned and left upon arrival. Still others in front of me gave up and left. I however carry books and crochet work for these occassions. See, I used to be impatient, but now i patiently read or work on something else while in line. I see the line as an opportunity to get more reading done or work on flash cards. This perspective enables me to calmly embrace lines and patiently wait for my turn. Perspective. In this way, life really is what you make it.