We are a fickle people.
Our attitudes are incredibly dependent on our current circumstances. And we aren’t afraid to tell you about it.
In fact, we are quick to highlight the challenges we face on a daily basis. To justify why we haven’t achieved to our self-appointed level. And to enumerate the obstacles and personalities standing in our way. For we are victims.
And yet we speak in grandiose language about ‘rising above’, overcoming adversity, and our admiration of the stoic philosophy. What a confusing lot we are. Paul offers his thoughts on the topic in 1st Corinthians:
“As long as you grab for what makes you feel good or makes you look important are you really much different than a babe at the breast, content only when everything’s going your way? ”
Paul directly addresses our duality and sadly captures my general sentiment. For I very much find myself content when things are on track with how I envision. Pleased when my ‘control’ is affirmed by desires realized. And conversely disappointed when events go off track or the unexpected occurs.
For fundamentally, our human nature hopes for two things: control and consistency. Yet the truth is we possess neither, and sadly never will.
However, I think the message is not one of abandoning hope, but of being called to reframe our perspective. For to look at this from our fragile finite lives is to experience crisis, but to step back to an eternal perspective is to suddenly minimize these problems. On a scale representing all of time, our problems appear remarkably diminutive. Furthermore, looking across the whole of our lives, the volume of our blessings received also comes into focus as a strong counterbalance to any current woes.
Life is about so much more than being right, feeling good, or things going your way. Fundamentally, life is about two things: loving God and loving others. And we are each blessed with unique opportunities to do both everyday. Don’t miss yours out of some misplaced momentary frustration.