It is amazing to me that I never noticed the hardships my parents dealt with while I was younger. Perhaps they weren't as frequent as the hardships I see today. Perhaps it is a sign of the times. I have a theory that life is not going to get any easier. I feel like we've had times in the last decade during which everything was mild, and hardships were few and far between. Not so much now. It seems like there are heartaches and pains, rough times and confusion so much more now, and simultaneously. I don't think it will ever go back to the way it was before ... at least, not while I am here on earth.
I have friends or family who are struggling with debt, job loss, divorce, deaths, children so sick they need surgery, cancer, limited finances/work, etc. It really puts things into perspective for me. How many times do I complain during the day about the things I think are "hard?"
Yes, the things that I have to deal with are "hard" for me, but when compared to the things that others are dealing with, I realize that it could be much, much worse. And, I don't think I am equipped to deal with those obstacles I haven't been given.
Thankfully, I have so many people I can look to for inspiration when I hit a rough spot. A couple handful of amazing women and men who weather their storms with such faith and strength. They give me hope that while my storm isn't the tornado their storms are, at least I can find the faith and strength I need to make it through mine.
So, thank you to everyone I know who struggle, but put on a brave face. I have an inkling that inside you are breaking down as much as I am, but seeing your ability to push through it and endure helps me to know that I am not alone, even during my little insignificant trials compared to yours.
I have friends or family who are struggling with debt, job loss, divorce, deaths, children so sick they need surgery, cancer, limited finances/work, etc. It really puts things into perspective for me. How many times do I complain during the day about the things I think are "hard?"
Yes, the things that I have to deal with are "hard" for me, but when compared to the things that others are dealing with, I realize that it could be much, much worse. And, I don't think I am equipped to deal with those obstacles I haven't been given.
Thankfully, I have so many people I can look to for inspiration when I hit a rough spot. A couple handful of amazing women and men who weather their storms with such faith and strength. They give me hope that while my storm isn't the tornado their storms are, at least I can find the faith and strength I need to make it through mine.
So, thank you to everyone I know who struggle, but put on a brave face. I have an inkling that inside you are breaking down as much as I am, but seeing your ability to push through it and endure helps me to know that I am not alone, even during my little insignificant trials compared to yours.
Comments
You're such a great friend, Marisa! I enjoy reading your thoughts because it reminds me I'm not alone in my struggles and my thoughts on motherhood and the gospel. :)