Why Is Life Hard?
Everyone has asked this question at one time or another. Actually, probably dozens of times. I know I have. It's natural, I suppose. When things aren't going well, we tend to focus on our own specific situation rather than having a larger vision. I lost my job several months ago. The world suddenly changed and there was no future, at least for a while. At first, I failed to see the bigger picture and all of the good around me. It took some time, but I eventually came around.
Years ago, as a teenager, I had a close friend with a terminal illness. She knew she was going to die, and it was just a matter of months-or possibly years. We visited my minister as she had some questions about life and death. She asked, "Why does God let bad things happen?"
It was a long time ago, but the minister said something like this, "Well, that is a very difficult question to answer. Many people have different theories. I've always looked at it like this: How would you know hot if you didn't know cold? How would you know happiness if you didn't know sadness? If you didn't have bad experiences, you would not know what good experiences are. We experience bad things sometimes, and those experiences make us value and enjoy the good experiences that much more."
That's always stuck with me.
I think the answer could also be framed around not why it's so hard, but more as to, "How do you respond to those hard moments?"
When challenges are presented - whatever they are - a choice has to be made. Do you give up? Do you wallow in the moment? Do you become consumed and focused on the negative?
OR
Do you focus on this is where you are, and you know where you want to be, so DAMN IT, I WILL GET THERE!!!! What do I need to do to accomplish my goals and objectives, then you set out and make it happen?!?!?!
Yup - feeling a bit philosophical tonight. This too shall pass!
Take care all. Know where you want to be and make it happen. Bumps along the way are just that - bumps.
Stay safe all -
Jake Martin
When the going gets tough - the tough get going!
I like to think that yes, while we have bumps in the road on our life journey (aka the hard parts) we also to get to experience the good parts. Once we get through those difficult times we’re able to see the lesson or feel the empowerment that comes from getting through those times. We have to live each day to the fullest, be as helpful and kind to others as possible and be grateful to God.