Cuz Life Just Ain’t Perfect
This week, I’m thankful that life isn’t always perfect.
Does that sound strange? I know, we THINK we want everything to go right all the time. But if it did, how would we ever grow? It’s when things go wrong that we learn what we’re truly capable of, how strong our faith is, and what our real priorities are.
For our family, something that’s caused many hardships for us is my husband’s chronic illness. It’s meant long months in the hospital, many more without his regular pay check, and even more frightening, sometimes wondering if he’ll ever come home at all. Thankfully, he’s been very healthy the past few years. But I know those times could easily come again. It’s just the nature of his illness, and of life.
I learned very quickly in our marriage that I would have to learn how to deal with the stress of living with someone who is chronically ill. Either that or become a complete basket case!
And what I have discovered is that it is possible to have peace and have real joy, whatever your circumstances.
That was an important lesson for me to learn, because my reactions have helped my children deal with the stresses of seeing their dad be sick too. I’ve receive all kinds of warnings of how a parent’s illness can negatively affect a child. But that hasn’t been the case for us. Instead, because they’ve watched how I handle hardship, and because they’ve dealt successfully with hard times too, my two children have actually become more confident and learned how to persevere through difficult situations. What wonderful qualities to see in a teenager!
People who learn about my family’s circumstances and health issues often say to me, “You must be so strong to survive all that and not fall apart!” It might look that way on the outside. But the truth is, I’m not so strong. When things go wrong in my world, I want to cry, pull the covers over head and not come out again until it’s all over. But, instead, I’ve recognized that life isn’t always perfect. And that my happiness and peace don’t depend on outward circumstances.
What does my peace and happiness depend on? For me, a lot of my inner peace has to do with my faith. The rest of it I think is because I’ve just realized I can’t control everything. And what I can control – like how I react to things – is my responsibility to handle well.
Are you struggling right now because your life isn’t perfect? Join the club! But please remember that your outward circumstances don’t have to determine who you are and how you feel inside.
If you are going through a difficult time right now, something you might find helpful is an e-book that I’m an affiliate for, Getting Out of the Super Mom Trap. I’ve never thought of myself as trying to be Super Mom, but once in a while, especially during times of stress, I do have unrealistic expectations of myself. I have to remind myself to control what I can, and let go of the rest. This book suggests some practical ways to do that.
I’m grateful that my life isn’t always perfect. Because what I’ve learned is that I am more than my circumstances. And so, my friend, are YOU!
~ Denise
