Opportunity

I remember sitting in a work meeting, and a co worker was going over a list of things that wasn't working.  The thing that stood out to me was that the co worker refused to say this was a problem or even challenge.  She kept saying we have an "opportunity" in this place or that.  I feel that is an important way to approach things in our own life, as well, even if I fail sometimes at doing that.  

For the most part, I do a good job at it. I've had to do that a lot in my life.  I have a plan, and I start down the path for that plan.  Then, this happens or that.  So, I adjust.  Move the date to this day.  Buy that grocery item, instead of this one.  Delay buying a car a few weeks to cover an expense.  Life happens, but it doesn't change the desire or the outcome.  It only changes how I execute it.

This happens in many areas of my life. When it does, I try to approach it in the same way.  However, before you get to that point, you need to first identify if what you feel is true.  It is easy after many disappointments to get on the defensive and start trying to watch out for more disappointments.  This feels like it is the wise thing to do.  I did that a lot after my divorce, feeling that I had to guard myself from being with someone that was like my ex's of the past or other people that had hurt me.  However, as I have noted in many past blog, over the years, it can lead you to be so closed off that you cannot find the good that can replace it.  I emphasized for a long time the need to forgive yourself for allowing yourself to be hurt, let that hurt be in the past, and look forward with eyes fixed on what you want and not what you had.  

As you do that, it is again easy to see similar items and be tempted to feel oh no.. this is that all over again.  But, just as with the last easy note, just because it is easy does not make it right.  Hard things does not make something wrong.  Often, hard things are hard, because they are important to your heart.  So, whether it be reaching out to someone estranged to you or making changes in yourself that work better for a good that you desire, the important question isn't whether something is hard but whether it is important.  So, you need to take the time to challenge your defensive assumptions and slay them, before they can create problems that did not exist, before.

Life and love can have wonderful and easy moments.  They can also have a lot of opportunities that may not always be comfortable.  But, if you follow your heart and look forward with a sense of adventure and courage, it can make for a very interesting journey.  Be changeable.  Be hopeful.  Be loving.  Be prayerful. Be true.  And, face each day with honest reflection and determination.  Focus on the good.  Learn from the bad.  And, the path will rise up to meet you in every step.