The Struggle Bus part 4
Let's be real: We all struggle. There are some things we're good at, and some things we aren't. And, sometimes, even the things we are good at are too much for us. When there is too much going on... there is too much going on. Too much is too much. By definition. So we need to learn to say no. We need to learn to set boundaries. We need to learn that we don't have to--and in fact cannot--do everything. I always say, "I can do anything, but I can't do everything." Which is to say, one thing at a time. Which is to say that we need to have our priorities straight. So we don't burn out. So we don't try to take on too much. It's like one of those people who spin plates on those little rods. The more plates you try to spin, the more likely they are to all fall down. I think what I'm trying to say is that sometimes we find ourselves on the struggle bus... but sometimes we put ourselves there. I'm NOT saying life doesn't happen. Because we all know it does. Every single day. Sometimes the hardest part about life is simply living it. Simply making it from the start of the day to the end of the day. And if you do that... don't take it lightly. That can be a major accomplishment. Now let me say this: Even when we make things harder on ourselves... God still has our backs. He will help us clean up a mess... even if we are the ones who made it. God is not a God of blame. Love does not keep a record of right and wrong. The blame game is a game with no winners. Instead of trying to assign blame, I have always thought it was more important to just help everybody involved as much as possible. To make things good. And, listen, I understand how hard that can be sometimes. Especially when you're in the midst of trials and tribulations. Jesus told us we could be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. But that's almost an acquired skill. It, like everything else, takes practice. Checking ourselves before we wreck ourselves. Going through things but not letting things go through us. Taking the lesson from situation. Seeing everything as either a lesson or a blessin'. Learning and growing as we experience and enjoy this eternal, everlasting, abundant, Resurrection Life of love that is the gift of God. See, He's already given it to us. Already given us the keys to the Kingdom. We have what we need. And because we have it, we can let Jesus take the wheel. We don't have to keep plowing ahead, trying to force things to be how we think they should be. We can let things be what they are. We can let PEOPLE be who they are. Even if we're riding the struggle bus. Even if THEY'RE riding the struggle bus. And that's so important--just like we're always going through stuff... so are they. People are always fighting battles that they probably aren't talking about. So we need to be kind. We need to give grace, even as our heavenly Father has given us grace. Freely we have received, freely we can give. Giving what we've got. Letting what's inside come out. That's what love is. That's how we live this life. That's how we turn the struggle bus around, or get off of it altogether!