The last few weeks of camp it became apparent to me that how we feel about something, especially something negative, is our choice. How we are going to handle the situation that is dealt our way is something that we decide. We can take it in a positive way and see the ways we are growing or we can take the negative and let it ruin our day, week, or summer.
I started out where camp had become a miserable place for me to be. Being the people pleaser that I am, when I failed to please a large group of people, it effected me and I did not handle it the best I could have. I realized that I was unhappy, and that being happy (or unhappy) is a choice. So I fought to keep that choice in my mind and what a battle it was.
I found it easier to complain about a situation then try to fix it, but I was sick of complaining and the constant unrest that it brought and knew it had to end, and for the most part it seemed to work. I walked away from my summer having a positive attitude with a new life lesson learned. I did more then just survived; I experienced, I grew, and I'd like to think I changed, even if just a little. Changed into a more positive person, who can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
After all, doesn't Jesus call us to that kind of life. As Paul wrote, a life in which we are to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Where even in the hard times we can find something to be thankful for.
Don't let the hard times bring you down. Stay strong and find the good. It's easier said then done, but I pray the Lord continues to change my heart and way of thinking.
So did you have that peace as you went through the summer? As you look back on the struggle where do you see God moving?
ReplyDeleteI have been struggling and mediating with that text in Philippians A LOT lately. I'm more and more convinced that that's all we really have in this world. Peace with God is the great promise we have, and the one thing the world is so desperate to have.
I mean, as Christians, no matter if we lose our hair, lives, money, family, jobs, homes, or health we can always have peace. God never forsakes us, or leaves us. Sorry I know this is a long comment, but I think I'm writing more for me than you :)
I wish we could sit down and talk about your summer, I want to know everything! We can't wait to see you again, thanks for writing.