“In order to keep a true perspective of one’s importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him” says Dereke Bruce. When I first read this quote I laughed and thought that this was really funny, but then I realized maybe it’s a timely reminder for those of us who tend to be so carried away by sunshine (happiness) that rains (problems) are considered out of place. It’s unbelievable how the world is trying to create a ‘problem free’ life because of their twisted view of ‘problems’. I think instead of trying to imagine or create a problem free world we need to develop a healthy understanding of problems, challenges and adversities in life.
John Maxwell wrote “A wise philosopher once commented that an eagle’s only obstacle to overcome for flying with greater speed and ease is the air. Yet, if the air was withdrawn, and the proud bird was to fly in a vacuum, it would fall instantly to the ground, unable to fly at all. The very element that offers resistance to flying is at the same time the condition for flight.” Isn’t it interesting that the same air that is causing the problem is also facilitating progress. A problem free life would be wonderful in a fantasy world, but the truth is that it is both unrealistic and unhealthy for our advancement in life.
A problem free life would be wonderful in a fantasy world, but the truth is that it is both unrealistic and unhealthy for our advancement in life.
“The way we see the problem is the problem” says Stephen R. Covey. Problems are universal and no matter where you live and how you live, each of us has to deal with problems. Of course the problems each of us deal may be different in nature and intensity, however we all have to learn to live and deal with our problems. Many a times the things which we consider problems may actually be the disguised steps for progress. It’s very funny how we all simply assume that the way we see things is the way they really are, the only worse thing than that is to believe and preach that this is the way they should be. Our attitudes are often shaped by our limited perspectives and our faulty attitudes towards things, situations and people often complicate our life more than what it really is.
“The way we see the problem is the problem” – Stephen R. Covey.
Albert Einstein says “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”. It’s difficult to see problems from this perspective; even as a Child of God (a Christian who believes in God’s sovereignty) I still struggle with this faulty perspective that bothers me every time I get into some kind of problem or painful situation. Recently I was reminded of what the apostle James said in James 1:2-4. Let me quote it from The New Living Translation “Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.”
John Maxwell observes “The main obstacle that a powerboat has to overcome is the water against the propeller, yet, if it were not for this same resistance, the boat would not move at all. The same law that obstacles are conditions of success, holds true in human life. Eliminate problems and life loses its creative tension. The problem of mass ignorance gives meaning to education, the problem of ill health gives meaning to medicine, the problem of social disorder gives meaning to government.”
Problems and adversity though less understood and accepted in life are the things that give meaning to life. The same problems that have the potential to crush us also carry the opportunities to strengthen us. As someone said “Problems of life are intended to make us better, not bitter”. Do not grumble when it rains, because rain is the condition without which we cannot enjoy the rainbow.
Do not grumble when it rains, because rain is the condition without which we cannot enjoy the rainbow.
– – Author: Rev. Francis Burgula – –
