One thing in life you can count on is change. The other is having problems. So, why do we spend so much time trying to avoid them? After losing my vision piece by piece, problems were, and are, a part of my everyday life. Facing problems has helped me build my confidence, and feel good about myself. Each one provided an opportunity to learn and grow.
Problems in life start at early ages with sibling rivalry, not having what you want when you want it, and your ice cream melting too fast. As you get a little older, bullying might occur, incomplete homework assignments (or losing them), and/or relationship issues begin to occur. Parents of teens might die, divorce, or have serious illnesses. After graduating comes the problems of finding jobs, going to college, transportation, and a place to live without knowing how to budget. Cooking and shopping are thrown into the mix. We find that special someone, get married, and become responsible for more than ourself. So many opportunities to teach instead of to rescue.
Have you ever noticed how hard parents work at trying to protect their children from encountering such problems? I know we love them, but is this really good for them? They are going to grow up and move out, unless you’ve done a fantastic job of protecting them from problems or solved what problems they had. In that case, they’ll still be living in your safe home. Children need to possess the ability to problem-solve before living on their own. Parents must start teaching them the skill so they’re prepared.
Later in my life, as a parent, grandparent, and a pastor’s wife, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to help others problem-solve. As problems flew as fast as artillery, I had to choose to rescue or teach. It wasn’t an easy choice, for my heart wants to fix it, but then, I realized Christians are to be like Christ. God doesn’t rescue us from every problem, but He gives us comfort, wisdom in His Word, and is there beside us. Therefore, I need to give words of wisdom, comfort through the difficulties, and remain by their side
Problem-solving does take more time in the present than fixing someone else’s problem for them, but it backfires down the road. Instead of thinking about what’s easiest today, think about what tomorrow holds.
If we’d take time to be more like God, then we’d change our world.
How about it? Anyone in on this life changer with me?
Work on what you can change . . .YOURSELF.
© 2021, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
I have always believed if something is bothering you, change it. If a situation can’t be changed then don’t let it get you down to where it begins to interfere with your life. We have choices. We can choose to change any situation whether it be in some tangible fashion or a change in mindset. Granted our choices may not be the most desirable they can always be made to be “not as bad”.