Contentment

Having discontent in any part of your life can be a good or bad thing. Good: It can be the driving force of change, leading you to finding who you want to be. Bad: It can drive you into the ground spiritually and emotionally.

Having been at both ends of the spectrum, I understand how not loving yourself, lacking humility, and not giving thanks for life is detrimental to others, yourself, and your relationship with God. Letting things go allows contentment to step in, when control is lost and acceptance takes its place.

Disappointment

A few things were hard about this weekend. First off, it seemed as if some hard core things happened to people around me: death of a pet, breakup, Grandma in the hospital. I can't understand the loss of a pet because I've never really experienced that not having a personal pet. It's hard for me when the breakup is hours from me and I can't be there to comfort her. No one can get underneath a guy's thought process or reasons for backing out, but I can recognize that some guys have the ability to love and follow through with their intentions and others don't. There is disappointment there, that someone can say and do so many wonderful things, but is unable to consider the other person while sorting through a rough time.

My personal disappointment this weekend comes from some friends. I'm not upset and won't hold a grudge, but having people over this weekend could have looked a lot differently. It's one thing to hang out and have drinks, maybe getting a little drunk over the course of the night. But to show up already in that state, forcing the sober people to then watch over you or to leave early is a bummer. It wasn't just a random party. It was a birthday party, meant for showing the host that you like being their friend and want to say hey. The party wasn't about me hearing how much people love me, but it also shouldn't have been like any other parties that go on every weekend.

I was hoping it'd be a nice break for people to refrain from that. I thought it'd be nice to take it easy and those people who did seemed to have a better time. Hanging out at my house isn't tailored for crazy parties, it's a perfect atmosphere for relaxing and relating with people. It's like that even when it's just my roommates. Not even for hanging out with new people, but those people you hang out with all the time anyway. I believe you don't need to be intoxicated to have fun. I find it hard to believe that some people think that's even possible at this point. I'm not trying to judge here because I received apologies, but the general idea of good clean fun seems to be unattainable sometimes in this world.

A True Example

I visited my friend who is in a center after a severe car accident. He is paralyzed from the neck down, although he did move his shoulders! He is on a ventilator to train him to breathe on his own, but he is communicating by mouthing words and can talk when not on the ventilator. He is stuck in that bed, but has so many beautiful things covering the walls, mostly UC related. He cannot go somewhere to see his friends, but people are there every single day talking with him and watching UC basketball on TV. The basketball team visited him, he has signed stuff everywhere, and there are inspirational messages surrounding him on t-shirts, banners, and photographs, including a cardboard cut-out of him that some friends took to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl.

He is smiling, inquiring about our lives, and after I told him that everyone misses and loves him so much, he said he feels the same way for us.

Even in a situation like this, when so many things have to be frustrating, there is so much hope. He looks great, appreciates everything that he has, and hasn't once given up. Because when you're in a situation like this, you have to hold dear to what you have instead of longing for what you don't. To value simply being alive and to have the love of parents and friends is so important here, and for the rest of us. It was a sobering reminder to take nothing for granted.

A true example of Perseverance developing Character, leading to undying Hope.

Romans 3:24

Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself.

A pure gift.

He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be.

And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

Every time I slip up and my self-criticism and low self-esteem convince me I'm worthless, I remember I am restored, loved, and justified.

transformation

3 steps to Transformation:

1. Have a vision for yourself or a dream of something better. Find your potential.

2. Have intention. Decide to do something about it.

3. Figure out the means to accomplish your goals, to attain the change you want in your life.

Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Forgiveness

Reconciliation

Discipline

Transformation