As I sit in front of my computer this morning on New Year’s Eve, there are feelings of bittersweet memories thinking about the year 2013. A lot has happened in all of our lives, and many of us have had a rough and wearing year.
Some of us have suffered the loss of a loved one and may be wondering how we will even make it through 2014 without that special person in our lives. Others have been struggling for years with financial burden or job related stress and to those, 2014 may seem like just another year to keep experiencing that same strife.
Looking back on my own life, a part of me is glad to see 2013 come to an end, in high hopes that 2014 will bring bigger and better things. We all strive for that, right? But here is where the bittersweet thoughts pop into my mind. I don’t know one person that hasn’t had the hardships of life touch them in one way or another. We all have struggles and we all have those times in life where we are wanderers, wondering how we can manage. And that’s just it. We are managing. That’s what we do. Sometimes we strive, sometimes we fall, and sometimes we just manage.
Let’s let 2014 be different. Let’s take this year as an opportunity to grow and learn how to overcome whatever obstacles may come our way. I believe that that in the end they make us stronger and more perceptive; more adept and ready to take on the next challenge.
I read a story online the other day that I would like to share with you–
“One day a farmer’s donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn’t worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone’s amazement he quieted down.
A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing, He would shake it off and take a step up.
As the farmer’s neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!"
MORAL: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up. Shake it off and take a step up.
I love that story, and though easier said than done at times, I find it motivating. Let’s wrap up
the year 2013 with thanksgiving for our blessings and thanksgiving for the hardships. Let’s get mentally geared up for the year 2014 – to know that we have many blessings to be thankful for, and have the opportunity to be strengthened though our hardships to come.
Happy New Year? Yes.
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