The Blessing that Became a Curse

If you told me that the very thing I considered a blessing would (out of the same mouth) be reclassified as a curse, I would tell you to "go to the store with that" (i.e. get lost).

Unfortunately not only have I done this once but multiple times!  I was reminded of this over the weekend.  We were speaking about all of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us and how we were greatful for these things.  In the same conversation, some of those very things were now considered curses, trials, drama, etc... 

How can this be?  It is similar to what the children of Israel did when coming out of Egypt (Exodus 16:1-3). The moment trials presented themselves, most were self inflicted, they began to gripe and moan that they preferred to be slaves.  Wait, hold up, these same folks who were slaves were complaining about being free - the NERVE!

Soo many of us when jobless, homeless, relationship-less, spouseless, friendless, etc... Are soo excited that we scream blessings from the roof top and to whomever we come in contact with when our situation changes - to our likeness that is.  Oh, but when that thing we desired and obtained (the blessing remember) begins to involve WORK & long suffering we think of it as a Curse.

How one might ask?  Did the thing we soo desire change?  Did we get to the point to where we were no longer appreciative?  Or did we forget all of the blessings that had come our way?  Maybe none, all, or a combination of these (and other) things.  Either way the bottom line is, we loose the spirit of contentment and are left with those same ole carnal feelings of never being satisfied.

When the spirit of dissatisfaction sets in on the very thing you considered the ultimate blessing what is your response?

Blessings,
-d

Philippians 4:11-13 -  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Advancing in Life

There are several times of the year that are filled with sheer joy and exuberance.  One of those times is the season of graduation/advancement.  

Many people are either graduating from one educational level to another or advancing from elementary or middle-school/Jr. High.  With these advancements come greater expectations and responsibilities.

This year my wife and I had the privilege of watching both of our sons & nephew advance, two from elementary and one from middle-school.  Just watching them walk across the stage with those big grins of accomplishment meant the world to us.  Wile there were many compliments and congratulations from other parents, very few knew the challenges that our children (and us) faced in getting to this place of advancement.

From the outside, it looked easy, beautiful and amazing.  But my wife and I along with family members knew the work required to get our sons to this place.  Were there things that we wished were different - sure, were there things that we would have handled differently - of course.  When all is said and done, some of the difficult times have helped to shape the character of our sons and teach us valuable lessons along the way.

This all made me reflect on my own personal journey.  I could not help but see the direct parallel with me advancing in life and my Christian walk with that of those advancing in academia.

There are many advancements I am proud of and a good deal of those that I am not soo proud of and wish I could have a "do-over".  Either way I have done my best to adjust and learn from my mistakes knowing that the expectations would be greater the next time I was faced with this situation.

Our spiritual walk is similar in that as our knowledge base increases so should our wisdom!  Be encouraged knowing that the challenges in your life has not stopped you from enjoying the advancement season(s) of your life and those around you.

James 1: 2-4  ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Blessings,

-d