- They say to bloom where you’re planted. That’s not always easy when the soil underneath you is filled with rocks, and unfriendly to your growth. Often times your situation in life may be an unpleasant one, and the only growth you can see of the situation is a growing thorn in your side. I recently cared for a patient with an extensive inpatient hospital course. I had the opportunity to monitor the patient and her family throughout her stay. Both the patient and her many family members were very spiritual, and it was refreshing to watch them lean on God when they couldn’t understand the situations surrounding them, or to see them place their trust in Him, believing He would heal their matriarch.
- Throughout the ups and downs of her stay, progressing one day, but declining on another, I was witness to the trials it places on one’s faith or outlook when faced with uncertain and changing circumstances. One weekend I might encounter joyous celebration, laughter, and strength, but come in another time to downcast eyes and a weary countenance. It didn’t necessarily mean their faith had faltered, or that they no longer praised God in the storm, it simply meant that things were hard, and sometimes when the going gets tough, it just sucks. I handled them with finesse in these moments, offering grace when a harsh tone was used, trying to remember how similarly God gives us grace when we grumble at Him. They (the family and the patient herself) always seemed to bounce back from their moment of sadness, shining once again with the joy of The Lord, as if their brief hiatus from positivity had been a time of renewal of spirit, as if being refueled for the journey ahead. They inspired me.
- Even if your actions are not the reaction to a monumental trial, but simply your approach to the mundane, it is no less important how you tackle each day as it comes. I found myself this morning in a funk. As I stood in the shower I realized I felt crummy. I did not want to go to work. Don’t laugh at me, or say join the club. On any given work day I would prefer to stay home with my children, as I’m sure most moms do, but today that unmotivated feeling was greater than usual. I can typically have the mindset to press on, but today it was gone. I’m sure the return from a beach vacation didn’t help matters. Everyone wishes vacations could last longer. I stood there dreading my work day while still stewing over the absurd number that greeted me from the scale. How did I gain five pounds?! I sulked, as memories of all the cakes, cookies, and pies consumed revisited me. Less than perfect situations are bound to occur in this imperfect world, but how you allow it to ultimately, and continually effect you is up to you. I took bad thoughts captive. I prayed for strength. I made it a point to ruminate on His love. In the end, I walked in joy today. I decided to bloom where I was planted, despite the rocky soil. Like my patient and her family, despite situations wanting to bring my thoughts south, I persevered for happiness, and it found me.
That is all 🙂