I am happy to have you back at Second Chance to Live. I have been thinking and meditating on several ideas. In the course of my life I have had many set backs and disappointments. I have shared some of these with you throughout Second Chance to Live (For a synopsis, please read My Journey thus Far). Consequently, I felt inadequate, unworthy, and most of all unlovable. I consistently found myself facing concrete walls that could not be moved. My best efforts to be successful were met with disapproval and criticism. Needless to say, I stayed frustrated as I came up against one wall after another.
I tried to find a way to go around, climb over, dig under or push the wall down, but none of my efforts proved effective. Craig J. Phillips
Approximately 14 years ago, I was sitting in a meeting where a dual topic was brought to the table: frustration and making decisions. As I could identify with the topic of frustration and making decisions, I intently listened. At the time, due to my black and white thinking I could not or would not allow myself to consider more options than the ones I mentioned above. In the process of listening to what different people shared, another viable option became apparent to me. Rather than trying to climb over, dig under, or push through the wall I could go to the right or the left of the wall and continue in that direction.
What a novel idea I thought.
I also heard that I could make a decision to turn to the right or to the left, with out having to fear that I was making the wrong decision. Ultimately God would be with me in my decision. In my process, I have learned that living involves change, and change is good. I am grateful that I no longer need to believe life has to be lived by an all or none, black or white mentality. Therefore I do not have to concern myself when I come up against a wall. My experience has taught me that I can learn from the wall and from the decisions that I make when I come up against a wall. Any progress provides the opportunity to grow from the experience. I have also learned that focusing on the wall prevents me from seeing other options.
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one, which has been opened for us. Helen Keller
So if you find yourself up against a wall, don’t be discouraged. Make a decision to turn to the right or to the left and trust the process. You will learn from whichever direction you decide is best. And most of all, you and I can rest assured because God is always near.
And do not lean on your own understanding, but acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your steps.
Table Topics for the Soul – Journey to the Heart. LC Registration #: TXu1-330-434 Copyright © 2007
Craig, another wonderful, wise post. I could so relate to this one because I have looked at a close door for a long time now, grieving and feeling the pain of it being closed. I have asked God to heal my heart from this very deep pain that I have felt because of it. Perhaps it is time for me to take my gaze off the closed door and realize that there are other options. Thanks as always.
i really like tis post, it’s right fro the heart.
Your post was automatically generated as matching mine, and it was just the nudge I needed at this time – thank you!
See my ‘Dose of Black and White’.
http://adoseofblackandwhite.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/opinions-and-believes/
Hi Yvonne,
Thank you for leaving a comment. You have spiked my curiosity. Could you be so kind as to help me understand what you meant by, “and it was the nudge I needed at this time — thank you” my friend.
Have a great day and God bless you and your family.
Craig