Daily Wisdom 08-17-2002 Life Is What You Make It

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Life Is What You Make It

Because of a friend who has been going through a difficult emotional period in his life,I've been reading a few psychology books to help me understand what he is going through. I was particularly intrigued at the chapter on how different individuals cope with stress and change. Certainly, negative life-altering situations are not fully unavoidable to any of us, but how we perceive these circumstances play a significant role in the acceptance of, and success in overcoming the many trials we may face in a life time, be they physical, emotional or spiritual.

We seem to be a people who are quick to focus on the negative rather than the positive. When a door of our life is closed, rather than look hopefully to the new unopened door before us, we continue to offer most of our attention to that already closed door.

Why do we do this? Will staring at it turn back the hands of time?

No. All that we do is torture ourself with impossible thoughts which only succeed in zapping us of our peace and happiness. This certainly is not our Heavenly Father's will. While it is not a bad thing to ponder the past, even former mistakes, letting the past rob us of our future joy IS.

If there is anything we can learn from this lesson, it is that doors are used for both exiting and entering. Walking in to an unfamiliar and dark room may seem frightening, but by offering our faith, trust and obedience in to the loving hands of God, His goodness will shine the way on our straight path.

Life IS what you make it, and if you want happiness, then seek it. Find it. And, if you want a Divine Guide to lead you to salvation, peace and righteous living, then you must grab hold of our Heavenly Father's outstretched hand.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr