Difficult Times Offer Opportunities

Have you ever noticed how going through difficult times really shows who you are as a person? Do you go through hard times with bitterness and blame, or do you look to make it an opportunity to become a better person? No one likes to go through periods of great difficulty. It takes a huge toll on your body and emotions. Unfortunately, most of us encounter bumps in our lives that require us to show an element of bravery, strength, understanding, and an ability to look beyond the current situation to a time of healing and hope. Often these difficult moments in our lives cause us to refocus on our faith in God and on each other. We discover how grounded we are and whether we walk through the darkness with our heads up carrying the light or if we curl up in a fetal position and allow the darkness to overwhelm us.

Though I truly dislike going through difficulties, it does offer me an opportunity to grow and see what kind of person I really am. Do I handle it with optimism and look for a positive outcome, or do I react in anger and bitterness, wallowing in despair? Depending on the circumstances causing the difficult situation, varying degrees of “negative” emotions are normal and even healthy, as long as one passes through them to embrace more positive emotions and behaviors. Often, some level of forgiveness is necessary so that we can move on and put things behind us. Do not expect to feel necessarily better or enlightened by doing so, at least not right away. The act of forgiving someone, however, puts you in a position of aligning yourself into a positive direction. Then, forgiveness does become a reality and healing develops more rapidly. Maybe, the one you have to forgive is yourself. Doing so has the same effect as forgiving someone else.

Allow growth to happen. Find joy, even in the smallest things. Be optimistic that you will find your rainbow. It’s there. You just have to look up and see it there, with all its colors. Remember, hope is an attitude and a choice. Embrace it and it will be a reality in your life. Turn your back on it and you will remain in darkness and despair. Life is a choice.