Day 321 - And the award goes to...

"We explained that they couldn't give everyone an award every time."

My kids play soccer, go to school and take music lessons. They also like to draw and build amazing things with Lego's. I personally would put every drawing they have ever produced in a museum of refrigerators. 

As much as I love my children and think that they are amazing I am glad that they have had to go through painful situations. It seems contradictory but it is the best thing for them. Just like it was the best thing for me. 

I remember there was a time when I was getting prideful and ended up losing big time. As I was belly-aching to my dad he gave me some sobering news. He told me that there would always be someone who is bigger, faster and better at something than me. He also told me that is okay. I needed that reality check to work harder and to move forward from failure.

In the same vein that failure is good success is good too. I don't think my kids need an award every time awards are handed out just to feel good about themselves but if they excel and get an award it validates their efforts. When their rewards come from hard work and careful study it will be a positive reinforcement that they enjoy. 

Our motivations are important. When we get something for nothing it produces an entitlement mentality. But when we get something for our labors it produces internal motivation that propels us to work hard. Pain and hard work produce character and strength. 

I know for my kids the struggle will make them better. They will rise to every challenge and when they get an award it will be well deserved. 

How have the struggles you have been though helped you? How can we navigate the feeling our children go through when they don't get an award? 

Day 285 - The Pain

"...the pain..."

With all things in life are pain. Even the most joyous and wonderful parts of life come with their own pains to get to them. In our Christian walk, which is the greatest joy, we will be persecuted and are promised to be hated and suffer trouble in the world. In marriage there is the pains of becoming one. If we are to lay down our lives and love our wives like Christ loved the church it will be painful because crucifixion isn't easy or pleasurable. Raising kids has its own pain. I was just thinking earlier today of times I have had to discipline my children and say no to them when I wanted to say yes. Listening to them cry and watching them learn hard lessons is painful. 

We live in a society that is actively trying to do everything in their power to avoid pain. They will numb it through distractions and passing pleasures, drown it in a bottle, or just avoid it all together. The problem is that in avoiding pain we find that new and deeper pains come. 

Rather than run from pain we should face it and take it. Just like a good workout may seem daunting, afterward you are glad you did it when you see the results. I have often dreaded the pain of conversations and confrontations only to find that the pain was worth the process. The things we go through properly and endure the pain we will find that we actually grow through. On the other side of the pain is a health and strength. God builds character in us. 

Pain is never fun. Don't let that send you the wrong way. Stay through the pain and you will see the joys that outlasting it brings. 

How do you deal with pain? What are some joys that come from pain? 

Day 69 - Really Good People

Today's thought from last year is so simple I almost missed it. I was writing about some friends of ours and said:

"They are really good people."

What made these people good in my opinion was their hearts. They are genuine. Real givers. Sincerely interested in others. Prayer warriors. Truthful. I could go on but you get the point. 

We all should not only find people like this to hang around but also endeavor to emulate their best qualities. The Bible tells us that bad company corrupts good morals. It is so important to choose people who are more than their outward appearance. If we only were around the popular and the pretty we might become someone we hate. But if we get around sincere people we will become sincere ourselves. There is a Proverb that says those who walk with the wise will become wise. 

I have very few friends, true friends, who I can really open up to and trust to speak into my life. But I am okay with not having a bunch of shallow relationships. I would much rather have a few deep ones.

What are qualities you look for in a friend? How can we be a better friend? 

Day 14 - Purpose

"I read the account of David and Goliath again today. Every time I read it there is a fresh revelation in there. This time was the fact the before David left to fight the giant he took his staff with him. A shepherd's staff no doubt. He had left the 'few sheep' of his father and was headed to an event that would promote him to public fame and prepare the people for him to become their favored king. He did not leave his staff behind. His staff represented who he was. David would be shepherd of his Father's sheep...Israel."

God uses who you are to shape who you will become. A prime example is Barnabas. He was named "The son of encouragement". No wonder God would use him to encourage a converted Saul of Tarsus early in ministry to become Paul the Apostle.

God has given you gifts, talents, abilities and a unique personality that he will use in your future for where He is calling you to. Don't despise it or leave it behind. You will be glad you did!

Have you seen any instances of God using your unique make up for a position or place He called you to?