Let me say something and you tell me if you agree, or not:
We all have big challenges that we face from time to time. Some are better equipped to handle them well, while others struggle.
Why do some struggle? Is it personality? Toolbox of experiences is missing? Blank thinkers? Head for the hills? Run, escape, dodge!
Equally, why do others seem to have the knack to face the same challenges and survive? Perhaps, even, they thrive! Is it personality? Do they have a better equipped toolbox? Quick thinkers? Face the challenge head-on? Charge!
No life is exempt from problems. From small to large, we are all victimized by the challenges that we face. Many struggle with overwhelming issues and chuckle at the hiccups.
How do you prepare for the really big issues?
This maybe something we are not taught in life that easily points the way, yet, we all learn many of the same lessons…differently. I believe the key is found in applying ourselves to life…one challenge at a time.
It may be this simple. Learn how to handle the little problems before they become big, and then fill your playbook with strategies learned from those pesky issues.
I was thinking of Captain James T. Kirk’s philosophy, “I don’t believe in no-win scenarios.” Think this through and maybe another tool in our toolbox is: Never give up. Don’t quit. Never stop fighting against the daunting challenge.
Quitters never win. Winners never quit.
I read a speech given by Tom Hanks (Hollywood) that gave advice to every actor that he learned in his younger years from a director.
“You have got to show up on time, and you have to know the text, and you have to have a head full of ideas.” via Tom Hanks
Hanks went on to give advice to the world. Show up on time. Know your lines (role, job, etc). Have a head full of ideas (facts, knowledge, concepts).
Okay. This makes sense. I can do this, right? Sure. It simply takes a lot of hard work in advance of showing up…on time! [Read article here.] Still…
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~Thomas A. Edison
Work is an attitude, and with it could we not all have a better handle on how to address the challenges that come our way?
Sure!
“You have got to show up on time, and you have to know the text, and you have to have a head full of ideas.” via Tom Hanks Click To TweetHow can this help? If you have to ask then you probably struggle with handling all those pesky problems faced daily, even hourly! Without learning to deal with the small problems we will never be able to address those big mountain challenges.
Think about it like this. How do you build a bridge across Niagra Falls? Maybe you’ve never thought about it, but someone figured out how to do it.
A group of engineers wanted to build a bridge in 1848 over the Niagara River but wondered how they could get a cable across the river to start construction. The answer came to bridge engineer Charles Ellett Jr. in a dream. He would sponsor a kite-flying contest and the first person to land a kite from one side of the river to the other would receive a prize of $5.00. Homan Walsh claimed that prize when he flew his kite from the U.S. side of the border to the Canadian side. The string of his kite was tied to a tree, a light cord attached to it, then a heavier cord and eventually a wire cable consisting of a number of strands of number ten wire. They were ready to start construction of a suspension bridge over the Niagara River.
[Source]
Learning to deal with small challenges is like managing small problems. Jesus told us having faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) will produce a great tree that birds will nest within. Everything begins with the little things.
Weight trainers know that everything begins with small steps. Learning to lift (resist) the weight of small barbells will build up the strength of the muscles to heavier weights.
Here’s My Thought Today
I’m not sure where I learned this, but it goes way back. A long time ago! Maybe it was in some writing or English class when we were dealing with language skills. Double negatives cross each other out, and the thought becomes positive. Maybe I learned this in basic math class? The truth works there also!
Can’t Never Could Do Nothing…
In other words, “Cannot never could do nothing” obversely means “Can could do anything!” At least that’s the fuzzy logic of what I recall.
The apostle Paul deals with something like this when he teaches:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13 NKJV)
Carry this thought into your situation. Perhaps the challenge is too big, but with Christ, you can handle it. Why? You’re not facing the problem alone. That’s the blessing of trusting Christ! He will never leave you, nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
If you are part of a community of believers, then you have the structure of an organization that can help. Never forget, there are also angels in disguise. (2 Kings 6:17) Helpers! Strangers? Yep! I’ve been assisted by complete strangers many times.
Be sensitive to your surroundings. Others are waiting to help you. Equally, you should be ready to give help when you are able.
Goes around. Comes around. Good measure. Pressed down. Overflowing. Give, and it shall be given!