Have you ever felt like things were not going your way? That
everything around you seemed to be going downhill? Does the season of sadness
sometimes rain on you like April showers? Does the pressure of all your
commitments make you numb to complete any of them? Do these things cause you to
retreat and hide?
Wow what a month April was for me! It caused me to think
about those questions and as I reflect on what the month has taught me, I
recognize that my eyes have been opened in ways that they had not before. I
believe there is always a lesson in life and below are the lessons April have
taught me.
People are selfish,
myself included. I do not say that to be mean or point any fingers, but to
be honest. I believe we are all selfish beings and it takes work to deny our
selfishness. It is possible to do so, but one has to make a conscience decision
for that to happen. I have learned that it is easy to be selfish in our
society. Everything is about MY wants, MY
desires, and MY needs. We are continually taught through media and society
that what we want is more important than
anything else is, regardless if it hurts other people in the process. To help combat my selfishness, I like to
meditate on this verse, "Do nothing
out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above
yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests
of the others." Philippians 2:3-4. When I think of others first and
put their needs above my own, I feel better about myself and most importantly,
I am being better to those around me. The month of April has taught me that
even in the midst of my valleys; I have something to give to those around me. I
am challenged to live a life that is more selfless and I hope those around me
will do the same.
Sometimes you have to
look the part. I have learned that looking the part helps me to play the part
even when I do not feel like it. Some days just showing up to work was a
production. Everything inside of me
wanted to stay in bed and wallow in my pity. Instead of staying in bed on those
days, I would pick out an outfit that was a favorite of mine, fix my hair
nicely, and add a cute accessory (usually a headband). When I look good, I feel
good. It is impossible to always feel great and that is not the point. I have
learned that just because you do not feel like doing something does not
mean you should not do it. Sometimes you have to do it and hope the feelings will
follow. When I look the part, I begin to feel like I can perform the part and
give to others in a real way.
There is strength in
weakness. Now I am sure this sounds a little crazy. It is even crazy as I
type it. However, I really do believe this. I know we have been socialized that
weaknesses are bad and that we should definitely not talk about them! The month
of April reminded me that we ALL
have weaknesses and there is strength in them and strength in sharing them. One
of my favorite verses is,
But
he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in
weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so
that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I
delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in
difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.- 2 Corinthians 12:9-11
I am reminded that my weaknesses are not something to hide
or be ashamed of but to instead be proud of them. My Christian faith tells me
that Jesus’ power will rest on me when I am weak. As well, when I was weak in
front of friends and family during April, they were able to hold me up and carry
me when I could not carry myself. There is strength in sharing our weakness,
and I plan to do that more often.
April’s weather in Ohio was rainy and stormy this year. The
rain and storms showered my life as well, but I did not let that define me. Instead,
I reflected on the lessons the month taught me and how it could encourage others.
I hope those reading this realizes that April showers do not last forever and that “…weeping may endure for a night, but
joy cometh in the morning.”- Psalm 30:5.
