How do we face adversity? This is a difficult one for me to write. Mainly because I’ve been in my own set of adversities. Over the last several weeks I have been back in the hospital and had further operations as I deal with my inherited liver disease. But, I’m not the only one. I’ve seen several of my friends deal with
- Cancer that requires infusions several times a month for the rest of his life.
- Irritable bowel syndrome—that can put another friend in the hospital at any moment.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Loss of a long-time spouse.
Adversity can touch any of us at any time. So how do we deal with it?
Glass Half Full
As my friends and I were talking the other day it became obvious that each of us was more concerned about the others. This seemed to be the true definition of friendship. While each of us was dealing with our own issue we seemed to be more concerned about others’ issues. Each of us was in a good mood—laughing, joking, and lifting each other up. It was that humor and lifting each other up that helped each of us work through our individual issues. A glass half full adds a lot to everyone’s life.
We’re Not the Only One
That conversation also reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Over the next few weeks, I’m going to focus on the conflicts from an ancient document. This seems to indicate that each of us deals with these conflicts. There is no escaping from the conflicts that we face in life. They have been around forever. If we think we shouldn’t deal with these conflicts, we’re just kidding ourselves. Every human being has dealt with them throughout history.
Be Prepared
If we list them and name them and understand them at least we have a better chance of dealing with our own conflicts and helping others deal with their conflicts. Let’s list them. Let’s be prepared for them. Let’s not assume that we shouldn’t face them. We all will. How we deal with them will make all the difference for ourselves and others.