I know when many of us log into Facebook, we are hit with
pictures, statuses, happiness, conflict, arguments, laughter, and pretty much
anything you can imagine. Sometimes those pictures and statuses make you
question your current situation, your status in life, or even decisions that
you make. Whether you want to admit it or not, Facebook has some sort of impact
over you, whether positive or negative. Well, personally I enjoy seeing the
pictures, successes, and accomplishments of others. It gives me a sense of
confidence, drive, and hope. On the flip side it also gives me anxiety. What I
mean when I say it gives me anxiety, is that it pushes me to move at a faster
pace. It makes me push for my dreams harder, and to make them come to pass
faster. Although this can be good, it can also be a bad thing because I begin
to put deadlines on things that I was once showing patience for. I realized
that I was giving God a deadline, and stressing because he wasn’t listening to
my requested deadlines. I would become frustrated when something didn’t happen
when I wanted or how I wanted until it was almost paralyzing. I just couldn’t
understand why things couldn’t happen how I wanted them to happen.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am OCD when it comes to
planning things. I am always planning parties, dinners for the next couple of
months, vacation ideas with itineraries, weddings, business ventures, and
everything else. So, I think you can imagine how disappointed I am when things
don’t go according to the plan that I work day in and day out on. I almost act like
a toddler having a temper tantrum when things aren’t going how I planned. To
get over my feelings of disappointment I read, write, and listen to
motivational music. I ran across something that stated that we have to learn to
be content in our current state. When we are thankful for where we are, God can
bless us with the desires of our heart. I understood what the statement was
asking, but I didn’t know how to do it. I know many of us are guilty of this
because life can throw some really low blows. Sometimes it is one low blow
after another. So, many of us wonder how is it possible to be happy when we are
dealing with so much stress and adversity. Trust me I understand that it is
easier said than done.
It wasn’t until today, that I understood how I could show
God my appreciation for where I am today, despite whatever I am dealing with.
And guess where the lesson came from? It came from Facebook. I had been reading
about a precious little girl who was dealing with some medical issues. Looking
at her beautiful pictures and the strength that her and her parents exhibited
was amazing. Each day they thanked God for his blessings and waited patiently
for his favor. On today, I read an update and it broke my heart. The amazing
little girl was now fighting for her life, and the family still depended on God
to see them through. As I sat in tears praying hard for the little angel to
pull through and for God to make a miracle happen, I realized the statement’s
true meaning and how I was supposed to do it.
I realized that different people have different obstacles
and trials. My trials may be nothing to the next person. Here I am selfishly
being disappointed when there is someone facing so much more. I realized that
even if God doesn’t meet my deadlines or give me what I have asked, I know that
he has a plan for me. It’s time that I stop focusing on what I want, and start
living like someone who God is blessing each day because he is. The lesson from
all of this is to appreciate what you have and where you are. Don’t allow other
people’s successes, fantasies, accomplishments, or fairytales cause you to
forget the bigger picture. Remember that each day is a blessing, and learn to
appreciate it. When you do this, life will be soooo much better.
I also ask that you pray for the precious little girl and
her family as well. While I want go into detail or disclose her name, I ask
that you pray that God comforts her, heels her, and gives her the peace that
she deserves.
