By Doug Creamer

Problems

            I went for a walk after church, trying to clear my head.  The air was crisp and cold. I noticed that some of the snow had melted off some yards while others were still completely covered in snow. I waved at some neighbors and spoke to other walkers. The longer I walked the more my muddled mind began to clear. I was wishing the clouds would break and allow the sun to shine, but they held tightly.

            It was Super Bowl Sunday. Everyone gets excited for different things involving the big game. Some love the food and comradery. Others look forward to the commercials and the game. Still others look forward to it being over. I prefer the commercials. I want to see the latest techniques for marketing products to consumers. I can’t get that out of my blood even though I am retired.

            I was thinking about what happens after the big game. One team goes home feeling great because they have been crowned the champions. Winning always feels great, but what about the other team? They go home defeated. There will not be a parade to welcome them home. How will the family, friends, and fans welcome home the team that loses the Super Bowl?

            It is a similar thing for the Olympic athletes. If you are in fourth place, you don’t get a medal. How do you comfort an athlete who has worked their whole life for that big moment and it slips through their hands? What do you say? I saw someone crying after finding out they had won the silver medal instead of the gold. 

            I am reading a book by Hal Urban called, “Positive Words, Powerful Results.” In the book he talks about the power of our words. We can choose to build others up or tear them down. Our words can change other people’s lives for both good and bad. He challenges the reader to use their words in a positive and encouraging way. You never know how that one encouraging thing might turn someone’s life completely around.

            Every person you meet is going through something. It might be the little hassles of everyday life or it could be something that is rocking their world. A smile, a word of affirmation, a simple thank you, or sharing something funny could be all that is needed to change the mood and help lift another person up. People don’t need a grand gesture; it’s the simple things that make all the difference. Every one of us is capable of helping others through simple gestures.

            Problems come to all of us in many shapes and forms. Some we can handle quickly and easily. The other day a light switch stopped working. I happened to have one and replaced it in a few minutes. Wouldn’t it be great if all of life’s problems could be solved that easily?

            Sadly, some of life’s problems are overwhelming, or we get overwhelmed at the volume of things we have to handle. Sometimes we may have to ask for help to deal with the problems, not just the repairing but also the mental side of those problems. Having a good friend who will listen and help you sort through things is great BUT don’t forget to be there for that friend when their world turns upside down.

            The other very important thing to keep in mind is something that Hal Urban points out in his book. Sometimes we have to make an effort to look for the good, to find the little joys in life for ourselves. Going for a walk, building a snowman, seeing a crocus poking up, watching a sunset or sunrise, playing with your pet, getting a hug, enjoying a book, laughing at a comedian, or playing a game with your child are all simple moments that can help you find joy. Each of us finds joy in different ways but they are the keys to help us through the problems of life.

            I want to encourage you to think about the things that bring you joy…. Now do some of those things. The laundry and dishes can wait. The texts and emails will be there later. You have to take care of you! You can’t help someone else if your batteries are empty. Read your favorite scripture, remember times in the past when God came through for you, and try to give to God the things that are overwhelming you. He cares about you. He loves you. If you will trust Him, look for those things that bring you joy, and rest in His presence…He will lift you up!

Contact Doug Creamer at PO Box 777, Faith, NC 28041or doug@dougcreamer.com