Gumption

by | Oct 6, 2015 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

IMG_0342Have you ever found yourself wanting to dig a hole, crawl into it and hibernate for the winter?

I sure have!  And it doesn’t necessarily have to be when the weather is cold and dreary…sometimes it’s on a gorgeous day with lots of potential.  Sigh.

Clearly, our gumption to participate in life is not only determined by the outside temperature gauge, but more importantly, it is influenced by our feelings, attitudes and willingness to go with the flow and rest when needed.

If you’ve ever been down in the dumps you are not alone, but don’t forget that being overwhelmed by life is nothing new.  Humans have dealt with adversity since the beginning of time.

Can you imagine how dreadful it was for Adam and Eve to leave the Garden of Eden after the apple incident?  Man, they had known only paradise and then they were thrown into the big bad world!!  Eek!!

Or what about poor Noah and his family?  I bet there were some “family discussions” going on about the boat in the backyard that God had asked him to build when it hadn’t even rained a drop, yet.  Much less the many lonely days of rain and grief of losing friends and all they had when they were on the boat.

Additionally, you sure can’t forget the tragedy of Job’s life with the loss of all his children, wealth and health.  I’ve often wondered what his wife thought about the many losses they suffered.  I bet she was a MESS!

I can only think that Adam, Eve, Noah, Job, Job’s wife plus many others throughout history wanted to climb into that hole and pretend their situations weren’t happening.

The interesting thing was that none of them did that.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  1Peter 5:10

In fact, they actively trusted God, did what needed to be done and persevered through the worst of times.

Is that your M.O.?  Sadly, it’s not always mine.

Often I find myself wallowing in self-pity because life has gotten hard and I don’t know the correct path to take.  My gumption to take life by the horns wanes and lethargy sets in.

This is the cycle of depression that many deal with on a regular basis.

After listening to today’s sermon on the importance of the Sabbath, I’m wondering if we responded to God’s command to rest on the Sabbath would we find ourselves in so tired of dealing with the day to day?

And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”  Mark 2:27

We would be doing ourselves a huge favor if we took back the control of our schedules and marked a personal day once a week to refresh and restore our body, mind, and spirit.

This is only one small way to break the cycle of depression, but I think it’s a needed step towards healing…and there’s not a one of us who couldn’t use some healing for the list of things that bring us down in this life.

What can you do to help yourself?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 17:1 – Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 Comments

  1. Jennifer Stevens

    Thank you for all your inspirational words. You are doing such a great job. How is Chase doing. Keeping your family in my prayers.

    Reply
    • meghays

      Thank you, Jennifer!!! Chase is doing great! He’s already able to run, jump and play…so he’s a happy camper! I really appreciate your prayers! They were definitely felt 🙂 Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!!! Hug Becky for me!

      Reply

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