When It’s Not Easy

During this season of thanks, it’s easy to be thankful when all is well. When family and friends are healthy and safe. When business is going as usual and job security seems real. When daily life has its bumps but is not a constant uphill battle.

But, what happens when things aren’t going well? When a family member is ill or not safe? When there is a layoff or threat of one? When life’s bumps seem to keep coming so fast, it’s hard to face the next one?

Having been in the "two family members not well" camp a bit this month, I found myself emotionally challenged to fight through some negativity. It’s a foreign feeling for me as I take pride in approaching problems as things to solve. But, when health is not a given, character is tested.

I have to be honest. I got stuck a bit and allowed my lexicon to change. Instead of using language that was benign, I found myself using heavily-weighted words. I was not "tired", I was "exhausted." Instead of being "grateful", I was "relieved." Instead of being "miffed", I was "irate."