Some of us learn by example, and others have to see it or do it for ourselves. I generally fall into the latter category…lol…but that’s better than falling into the third category, which is those that never learn at all! I may be a slow learner, but I can learn, even at this age.
Before I learned that things happen for me and not to me, I had already mastered another of life’s lessons. It can always be worse! One of my favorites. How many times I have you heard that phrase when you told someone about something awful that you were going through in your life? And, if we’re being honest with each other, how many times did you want to punch the person who said it in his or her face…lol?!?
Seriously though, once you have lived long enough to experience some truly awful things, you realize just how true that statement is. For me, that came when I was in my early 20s. I had a close family member pass away tragically and unexpectedly. My dad and I were there when the accident occurred, and we did what we could to save him, but it wasn’t meant to be. He was young, and very much loved by his community, so the turnout at his service was overwhelming, but what struck me most that day was what his dad was telling everyone who walked by him, “Be glad this isn’t you. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
I don’t have children, and to be honest, that might have been the final nail in the “no kids” coffin for me. He was right. No parent should have to bury their child, and I cannot imagine the grief that has to come along with that. Especially when that child shined as brightly as this one did. The Earth lost an angel that day.
This wasn’t the first loss I experienced, but it certainly made the biggest impression. It taught me that yes, no matter how bad my day or my life is going, it can, truly, always be worse!
Back to the present. I had a call from a business associate this morning. I consider him a friend. Though we have only met once in person, he has helped us out more than once, and he is the reason that we operate some of the bigger equipment that we own today. He is not a perfect man, and he will be the first to admit that…lol…but he is an honest man, and an all-around great human being, and today he needs our prayers.
He is sitting in court as I type, at his divorce trial. I don’t think he knows how he ended up there. Divorce isn’t common in his family, in fact, his will be the first in his immediate family, and only the second in his extended family. His soon to be ex-wife has a bit more experience there, her own and her family’s, and now the hindsight is kicking in, and he’s kicking himself for not considering that (and other things) prior to putting a ring on it.
Hindsight is always twenty/twenty they say, but imagine how many things we might miss out on, if we didn’t take chances? My friend has a daughter that he adores, who would not exist if he hadn’t chosen this path, so there’s a really obvious answer to that question…lol. I’m sure in time, he will be able to find more blessing that came from their union, but right now he is hurting, and it is hard to find the good when you are in the middle of a bad situation.
His situation is a bad one too. In addition to the divorce, he is battling cancer. Another surprise he didn’t see coming! He is my age, he is a fit and active man, and up until this I believe he has been generally healthy, so it came as an unexpected and unwelcome surprise.
Although I, personally, had a pretty good day yesterday, I found myself frustrated with the cruelty of the World. It’s the same today, but on a much deeper level, since these are bad things happening to someone I personally know and like. Seriously, how much worse does it need to get for this guy?!?
I don't give easily into despair though! I told him what I believe – it can always be worse, that we all have battles to fight, and that he needs to continue to fight his, because there are blessings waiting for us on the other side of those battles. I hope that my cheerleading routine brought him hope and encouragement to help him get through his morning, and that he didn't feel the need to punch me in the face…lol. Fortunately for me, he seemed to appreciate the love.
I then spent some time praying for him. I asked God to send him strength and healing, to please help him learn what he needs to learn from these experiences, so he can move past them and onto greater things. I then thanked God for my blessings; I am mentally and physically healthy, my physical needs are being met, and I am surrounded by amazing people – both personally and professionally – who I consider my biggest blessings.
No matter how bad things can seem day-to-day in our own lives and in the world, we have to remember that it can always be worse, and if you believe the scriptures, it is going to get worse before it gets better. We must remain true to ourselves and to our Faith; to continue to be a part of the solution – to bring love and light to people who are surrounded by darkness – and not allow ourselves to fall into the darkness with them, becoming part of the bigger problem.
I know that I cannot change the world, but if I can make just one person’s world a little brighter every day, than that would make every day a good day for me.
I hope that you are having the brightest of days! If not, feel free to reach out. I am always here, and I will gladly pray for you too!
Much love to you all, with Hope and Faith!