#54 – When Things Go Wrong

Dear Readers,

How we react to different situations is a great indicator of our true character. Our responses in times of joy or times of stress in life, are like a reflex action if unschooled, and happen before we have a chance to fully comprehend what we are doing. But it is important to know how and when to express our joy and sadness.

Recently, I witnessed a situation where great joy turned to great disappointment. In my opinion it was over a trivial matter but to this person it meant something. They didn’t huff and puff when things didn’t go their way but their quiet disposition told me that something wasn’t right. When things don’t go my way I tend to get stressed and flustered. My perfect plan turned out to be not so perfect and I never had a plan B. Things always work out right the first time, don’t they?

Unfortunately, most times they don’t, and we have to bear the brunt of our failings or sometimes even the shortcomings of others. No, it isn’t fair. We deserve better and it’s our right to want the best. But sometimes it’s not always that simple. God has plans of his own for us. He has a map that depicts where our life will be going. Even if it’s a life without him in it, He will follow us right to the end, longing and ready, to hold our hand in every situation.

So what’s your outlet when things go wrong? If I don’t do something at the time I tend to need a big cry to let it all out because it has been bottled up festering. But other ways I find release of my built up frustration and emotions is journaling, letter writing, listening and soaking in worship music. Sometimes I even like to do an art sketch. There are so many different ways to find release. I’m not sporty but some people find running and exercise a great stress release. I urge you to seek out what it is you need to get that release. It is better to take a bit of time out when you need it then react to situations unjustly because of your own pent up frustrations that you haven’t dealt with.

That’s just a few thoughts that I’ve been having recently and felt to share and encourage/challenge you with.

Now, moving away from that topic, I want to update you with my writing. I have begun again! Yes, it’s very exciting and I loved the couple of days I got stuck into it last week. I haven’t had a chance, or I’ve been procrastinating (one of the two) this week.  But, the story is fleshing out a lot. Even after only doing a little bit, I have added new scenes and developed characters further. Now the task is to keep the flow going and keep my head down working on it.

Without giving too much away, I have two main characters, not unlike my previous book. One comes from a privileged background where the other has had to compete for everything they have in life. It is set in the early 1900’s of Melbourne and I must say I am really enjoying the research I have been doing so far. There is a wealth of information out there that, if you’re not looking for it, you’d never know existed.

I will leave you this month with a passing thought from Smith Wigglesworth, “Never listen to human plans. God can work mightily when you persist in believing Him in spite of discouragement from the human standpoint … I am moved by what I believe. I know this: no man looks at the circumstances if he believes.”

God bless,

Jane Bishop

Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’