“In life there are choices and consequences…make sure you can handle the choices you make”  ~Mommy

Its funny how I can appreciate the wisdom of my mother now at 27 vs. at 17.  All throughout high school and college she preached choices and consequences…so much that I quickly grew tired of it. I was not trying to hear that mess all the time! While I wasn’t a complete wild child, looking back I could have made better choices for myself. As of lately I’ve been dealing with some self- induced “difficulties” as well as others that are completely out of my control. Since this blog prides itself on promoting wholeness in every area of life, I’ll keep those ”issues” private without complaining, and share an encouraging list I stumbled across: 10 Reasons to Appreciate Difficulties.

Here are my top 3 picks:

1. Difficulties often force us to change in ways that we never would otherwise. When we are put in situations that make us uncomfortable we see the need for a change in our own actions, attitudes and thinking. (If we are looking to grow, otherwise all we see is how other people need to change to make us comfortable!)
2. Each time that you successfully overcome a difficulty you will have more confidence to successfully overcome the next challenge that life throws your way. You will become stronger each time and each event of personal growth through these challenges will build on each other to make you stronger and stronger, more and more confident!
3. You can inspire and encourage others towards personal growth and development! Others can be inspired by you in many ways, whether they are watching you from the sidelines or whether you share with them how you overcame a difficulty when they are going through a similar trial.

This list encouraged me and reminded me of these scriptures:

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud (Ecclesiastes 7: 8 )

Cast not away your confidence which has a great recompense of reward. For you have need of patience that after you have don’t the will of God you might receive the promise. (Hebrews 10:35-37)

Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of our faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work. that you may be perfect and entire wanting nothing (James 1:2-4)

Do not get weary in well doing, for in due season will shall reap if we faint not (Galatians 6:9)

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