This Too Shall Pass...

I seem to be telling myself that a lot lately...

No, I am not saying that to seek your pity or sympathy in anyway...just merely as an observation on the status of things in my world. I believe my mother said it best the other day...something to the effect that if it weren't for having bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all.

I don't think it has anything to do with good or bad luck...or even luck at all...I think that is just life. It happens to all of us...not just me or you. And on occasion it all just seems to pile up at that same time...or does it?

Is it perhaps we are too focused on all the "bad stuff" that we are unable to see the marvelous and beautiful forest through the trees? I know for me, on a lot of occasions (especially as of late) I have a hard time stepping back and looking at the whole picture, I see so much of the bad stuff in my life that I can't sort out or even see the good.

I like to think of myself as a strong and pretty tough guy...yet, when it comes down to it I really am pretty weak...the blows of life too quickly take the wind out of me. I try with all I have to turn and lean on God...for in reality that is where all my true strength, wisdom, and peace of any kind really comes from.

Too often though I allow myself to get in the way...my pride, my self-image (and sometimes lack there of), my worldview, my ideas, my attitude...

I get so bogged down in all the struggles and it starts to affect all areas of my life, only making those areas more difficult to deal with on a daily basis as well. It keeps me up at nights...gives me headaches...and it breaks my heart and will on a lot of occasions.

I have the tools to overcome all these things and I can identify my shortcomings for the most part...but sometimes using my tools and fighting through on my own is just...well, it's just plain frustrating...as it is for most people I would imagine.

I miss my home...being within a days driving distance of all my beloved family and friends...I miss horizons complete with sunrises and sunsets and the opportunity to hit a mountain trail after work...I miss my church and my small group who gathered to the Westside Bakery to be mentored in the faith as Elijah mentored Elisha....

I could go on but I won't cause focusing on what I miss won't make anything better...I have to find all those things here where I am at now. Sure it has been over a year now...but this too shall pass...it's hard being a grown up and moving to a new place...okay so it isn't easy for anyone no matter how old you are, but hey let's face it when you are a kid and your family moves to a new town all you have to do is wait it out until the end of the first few weeks of school before you have a whole new world of friends and activities open up to you.

I pray everyday that God will help me to truly make this my "home"...that I will find those valuable friendships and mentors in my life. I do love the work I am in, even with all the hardships, struggles, and stress that come from my job...when I am out on the streets talking and playing with guests there is nothing else I would rather be doing.

And I am sure I am not alone in my prayers to God for help in these financially trying times. I am still on the hunt for that second job that will enable me to have some stability so that for once in a long, long time I will not have to live from paycheck to paycheck...this too shall pass.

And as I pray for this season in my life to pass...I pray for all my friends and family that each of you will know that you are missed and loved on a daily basis. That no matter what your personal hardships or heartaches are, that I am praying for you that God will give us all peace, strength, and guidance as we continue on our walk here on this earth.