What is the Lesson?

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.