Uncomfortable Situations

I have a little confession to make.  There is something in my life that is missing and that I want to for myself more than anything.  Tonnes of people around me have it and I'm constantly being reminded that it's the thing that I don't have.  I often wonder if there is something wrong with me, or if I did something to keep me from having this.  Today, I spent the evening with two people who have this thing that I truly long for in my heart.  In the past, I've typically gotten really upset about constantly being reminded of the what is was that I still don't have.  To be honest, I feel a little sad even now as I write this post.

But I did something a bit different today.  I'm half way through reading Joyce Meyer's "Never Give Up" and in a section of the book she talks about how she was constantly being put in situations where she was around people that would remind her of her abusive father.  No matter how much she tried to avoid it, she would be placed in those situations.  Today I remembered that section of her book as  I spent my evening with a couple around my age and with a baby on the way.  So instead of feeling completely depressed about yet another reminder of what I don't have, I actually followed Joyce Meyer's advice and I: stopped. and actually prayed about it.  I basically said: "God, even though I've enjoyed the company this evening, and I am truly happy for this couple (because they are totally awesome), a part of me feels really sad each time I have to face this situation and lately I've had to face this situation a lot.  If there is something that I am supposed to learn from this please bless me with the grace of discernment so I can face what ever it is you want me to face, deal with it, learn from it, and continue to move forward".  This may seem trivial to the observer, but for me it's a huge step in looking to God during a difficult moment. 

I think Joyce is right.  I think God puts us in uncomfortable situations repeatedly to try to get us to face the thing that is really bothering us.  You can't run away from it forever...come to think of it, I've seen people who have tried and BELIEVE ME when I tell you, it has NOT worked out so well for them. 

So I think the purpose of this evening, for me, ended up being two fold: 1- to identify why I feel sad and lonely when I see others making plans (like what specifically elicits those feelings) and 2- to learn from this couple about what it is that makes their relationship so strong so that maybe I can apply those principles to my own circumstance if I ever get the chance again.

So my hopeful thought for you today is this: that if you are constantly being put in the same uncomfortable situation that instead of running from it or avoiding it, that you are able to stop.  and take a moment to pray and ask God to help you learn or face what ever it is you need to learn or face from that situation so that you can continue to move forward.....

Stay Blessed <3