We are in challenging times where things seem to come at us from all directions. The recent torrential rainstorm we experienced here in California brought water into our home from above and below the surface. Truthfully, my patience and nerves were tested.
A little over a year ago there was a bout of bad rain and wind that devastated us when a 90-feet tree that sat in a common area controlled by our Homeowners Association (HOA) fell and broke down our retaining wall, broke the railing on the upper deck of our home, and damaged and cracked open our ceiling. It also split the foundation in certain parts of our home.
After our HOA refused to be responsible for the situation, we turned to our insurance company, and after they did what they felt was necessary, we still had close to $25,000 that came out of our pocket. Although we thought everything was fixed, this latest rainfall put us back to square one starting all over with repairs.
Homeownership is no joke. I constantly remind myself of the value and joy of owning one’s own home can bring; however, the upkeep is not for the faint of heart. Dealing with insurance companies, contractors, vendors, and everyone else is a job and we must be mindful that this is a marathon and not a sprint. We must hold on and endure until the end. As I think about this current act of mother nature, of course when it rains and pours in one area of our lives, it seems like it comes down in other areas of our lives as well.
As I write this column, we also had additional car troubles that caused us to have to put it back in the shop. When does it ever stop? I guess you could say life throws us curve balls that we have to constantly decide how we are going to deal with them and if we are going to let them get us down or if we are going to swing back strong and not give up. Sometimes we are just being tested. We have what it takes to pass the test. Stay in the game.
One of my friends recently recommended a book to me that she read many years ago that had a profound effect on how she viewed life. The book is called, “A Woman of Substance.” It is an old novel about a woman named Emma who rises from the trenches to achieve great success. There is another character in the book by the name of Blackie who Emma builds a strong relationship with that lasts throughout her lifetime.
At the end of the story, Blackie asked Emma, “Have you discovered anything special along your life that you would like to impart?” Emma responded that she believed the secret to life is to endure. I think she is right, but to endure we must have the right tools and skills to help us make it through the tough times. We must ask ourselves if we have the right tools and attitude to not give up but to also stay strong when the going gets rough.
Various references can help us stay strong when we want to give up. One of my favorite Bible verses on endurance is, Colossians 1:11, “God will strengthen you with His own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but your patience will be tested.”
One thing life has taught me is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Always remember the darkest of nights can produce the brightest of days. Make it your choice and decision that no matter what comes your way you will never give up and you will endure to the end. The journey may seem a bit lonely, but remember you are never alone.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
