I was reading a blog post about being a true believer of Jesus Christ, in which the writer, Valerie, also talked about being a slow learner and having a hard time not wanting to shrink back from challenges... (hmm - somehow, I have a hunch she isn't the only one who feels this way! ;)
I won't tell you all of Valerie's ideas, but I will share with you an analogy that reading this post inspired in my own mind. I like to think challenges can be likened to the thorns of a rose. And the rose can be likened to the growth and good things that come with, or as a result of those challenges... Here is what I left in the comment section of that post:
"I think it is normal NOT to want a trial, during it, but to find blessings in it and be thankful for it later. I, like you, strive to find the rose among the thorns, even while feeling the blood dripping down from the thorns. I'm glad we strive to focus on the rose... Now we just need to remember that to feel the piercing of the thorn simply shows that we are human. I think it is great that you choose to again redirect your mind to the rose even while in pain from the thorns... ;)
Corine :D"
I'm thankful that I read this. I think we can be too hard on ourselves! I know I can! :o Since I was recently very hard on myself (and had to really pray for help to forgive myself) I'm very thankful that I read Valerie's post and was reminded that I'm not a bad person for crying when life hurts! In fact, when I find myself focusing on thorns and complaining - I repent and strive to focus on life's roses - just as Valerie does - this is something to be happy about. (Isn't it crazy how it is SO EASY to see how others are doing well and pat them on the back - and SO DIFFICULT to give ourselves credit?)
So, Valerie, if you read this - thanks for your insight! I hope you give yourself a pat on the back for continually moving forward!
And to the rest of you - I'm sure you could give yourself a pat on the back for something you are doing right, too! ;)
I hope you all have a great day and find joy in the rose among the thorns!
Corine :D
I won't tell you all of Valerie's ideas, but I will share with you an analogy that reading this post inspired in my own mind. I like to think challenges can be likened to the thorns of a rose. And the rose can be likened to the growth and good things that come with, or as a result of those challenges... Here is what I left in the comment section of that post:
"I think it is normal NOT to want a trial, during it, but to find blessings in it and be thankful for it later. I, like you, strive to find the rose among the thorns, even while feeling the blood dripping down from the thorns. I'm glad we strive to focus on the rose... Now we just need to remember that to feel the piercing of the thorn simply shows that we are human. I think it is great that you choose to again redirect your mind to the rose even while in pain from the thorns... ;)
Corine :D"
I'm thankful that I read this. I think we can be too hard on ourselves! I know I can! :o Since I was recently very hard on myself (and had to really pray for help to forgive myself) I'm very thankful that I read Valerie's post and was reminded that I'm not a bad person for crying when life hurts! In fact, when I find myself focusing on thorns and complaining - I repent and strive to focus on life's roses - just as Valerie does - this is something to be happy about. (Isn't it crazy how it is SO EASY to see how others are doing well and pat them on the back - and SO DIFFICULT to give ourselves credit?)
So, Valerie, if you read this - thanks for your insight! I hope you give yourself a pat on the back for continually moving forward!
And to the rest of you - I'm sure you could give yourself a pat on the back for something you are doing right, too! ;)
I hope you all have a great day and find joy in the rose among the thorns!
Corine :D
What a beautiful message for Valerie, and a great reminder for me this Monday morning.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Corine, for your comment on my post and for your thoughts here too. It was surprising to see my name in the title of your post. :) I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who tries to avoid thorns. I have been working on redirecting my mind and my efforts to the rose while enduring the pain. We can do it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnnie - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :) I'm thankful to Valerie for the reminder I needed! :o
ReplyDeleteValerie - I think you are doing great! :) Thanks for your reminder, very timely for me. :o
Hugs,
Corine :D