If you listen to most, being positive and looking on the bright side is essential to be a winner in life. Isn’t that right? Don’t we hear the following to the exclusion of everything else?
- Give 110 percent!
- The glass is half full.
- Count your blessing—one by one.
- You can make it—just think positively.
- Name what you want and claim it. If you do, it will be yours.
- Don’t look at the downside; keep focused on the positive.
Although it’s essential to keep a good mindset and not allowing self-pity to rule your life, there’s another side to the story—one that doesn’t receive the attention it should. It’s despair—an emotion experienced by nearly all.
Despair has a purpose—an important purpose, especially to those in recovery. Instead of denying it, try embracing it. If you do, you’ll learn the lessons necessary to become the man or woman God intends you to be.
When despair comes—and it will—instead of complaining, ask God what He wants you to learn from it. If you do, you’ll learn more about life and about yourself than you can possibly imagine. You’ll learn about who you are supposed to be and who you are not supposed to be.
When everything is going well, most rarely take a good look at themselves. When you’ve been shattered and broken, however, all pretentiousness leaves you. You cease being puffed up and arrogant. It’s when you can bow your knee and embrace humility. It’s the place God brings you to get your attention. When He does, it’s time to stop, listen, and learn.
Thanks, Jack. I needed to read this today.