Wednesday, January 5, 2011

get in line, chris

My heart is heavy today for so many people.

Death, illness, relationship problems and financial struggles have put a damper on my day. There are so many people who are hurting in my world that it makes me hurt as well.

I find it ironic—and a bit pathetic—that I started the day feeling sorry for myself. Yet my problems now seem insignificant in comparison. Which reminds me of a lesson I learned many years ago and must continuously re-learn: There is almost always someone who is worse off than me.

Does that make me feel better? No. But it does help put things in perspective.

What about you? What’s bugging you today? Why are you down in the dumps?

My hunch is it hurts. A lot. And for that I’m sorry. Very sorry.

Yet—and please don’t curse my name or throw something heavy in my direction—is it possible there are others who are struggling more? In more pain? In worst circumstances?

That doesn’t diminish what you’re going through, no way. What you’re experiencing right now no doubt stinks and that’s a nice way of putting it. I get it. Things are hard and you’re at the end of your rope.

But as I was reminded so vividly today, I’m not the only one who’s hurting. In fact, as I think about the problems of so many people that I know, my problems don't seem so bad.

In fact, even though I’m not feeling so hot right now (that’s putting it mildly), somebody needs my help so I have to get going.

I’m not glad that others have problems, but I am glad for the opportunity to help. And to get my mind off my own problems.

Lest you think I’m some kind of spiritual giant or super Christian, think again. I’m just a regular guy who had to re-learn a lesson yet again. Will I ever learn that there are others who are in worse pain than me?

Probably not. Tomorrow I’ll no doubt be right back at it, obsessing on my many problems at the neglect of others.

But for today, right now, I’ve got to go. Somebody needs me.
                                                                                                           

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