Keep Smilin'

For those of you who have ever gone through difficulties in life, you know how hard it can be to keep smilin’ at times.

Occasionally, life throws us some nasty curve balls.  Some may experience family drama, trauma, divorce, or illness.  Dreams may be put on hold, aspirations shelved for the time being, and goals sidelined.

Even the most positive person can become “done in”, stressed out, or dejected.  If, perhaps, you’re one of those people going through a rough patch right now, then this post is for you.

I’d like to share a bit of what’s on my heart today.  (Sometimes, I really have to pray for God’s discernment, and make sure that I’m not just jumping on my own little soapbox! )

You may remember my post on mountaintops.  In it, I talked about the mountains and valleys we face periodically in our lives.

Many who are close to our family know that we endured a deep valley, indeed, some years ago.  We were touched by a medical crisis that forever changed our lives and that of one of our children.  (That’s a separate post in itself that one day I may share with you when the timing’s right.)

We never think “its” going to happen to us or those we love.  It’s inconceivable to think that we might be faced with those horrible things that “only happen to other people.”  When catastrophe enters our lives unexpectedly, though, it can profoundly alter our perception of the world around us and shake us to the core.

And I must tell you that even though I’m often teased about being “little Miss Sunshine”, there was a time when I felt anything but.  I know what it’s like to hurt, to feel loss, to feel angry and betrayed–just as you do.  No, I may not have experienced your situation exactly, but because I have suffered so deeply, I’m especially sensitive to those who are trudging that lonesome road of discouragement–the same one I was traveling down once.

As I’ve told you before, I’m a “fix-it” person.  Truthfully, I know that things (and people) can’t always be fixed by human hands.  As God’s instruments, however, we can allow Him to do great things through us!

If you’re discouraged and hurting today…

•  You don’t have to suffer in silence.  Know that there are others who have traveled in similar shoes.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Invite others to pray with you and for you.  (It isn’t selfish.)
• Stay focused on the bigger picture–there WILL be brighter days ahead!  God is always at work behind the scenes.  He may not provide immediate answers and progress may be slow.  Instead of giving you a miracle just now, you may have to wait until He’s finished perfecting the masterpiece within you.

I try to keep smilin' even in my laundry room at home!

A question for you to think about…How do you keep smilin’ when you’re faced with adversity?