Events happen – to everybody.
Good events, bad events.
God knows I have had “events” in my life. Really great ones. Really bad ones.
When I watched my dream house with 50-foot flames reaching up to the sky – yea that was a good one.
It’s the response to events that makes the difference in people.
Good event – what is your response? Do you make the most of it?
Bad event – what is your response? Do you make the best of it?
And what of the bad events do you carry with you far into the future and how does that shape your thinking and contribute to your suffering?
Response = Outcome.
The event may not be a choice. Response always is.
See how that works?
I think the amount of fuel a bad event provides has a lot to do with how much you need the outcome to be different next time – i.e., how much you’re invested in a different outcome for a better result.
Thanks for a thought provoking post, Larry 👍
In March I was diagnosed with stage 4 bone marrow cancer. That night I turned my life over to God and asked him to please make my pain tolerable and my side effects to cancer treatments minimal. Oh how our God delivered! My surgery was March 25th they cut out my jawbone replaced it with Titanium and my fibula. Rebuilt the inside of my mouth using tissue and muscle from my leg. 129 days later I am back to work at Atlanta Basement Systems and Foundation Repair.
God’s grace and love a long with my positive attitude and sense of humor prevailed!
Yes sir I have. I had to go through them to be where I am.
David Butler, I don’t know you but thank you for being so transparent — 10X Amen!
A divorce can change you for sure; especially one you didn’t want or agree with. Ive been humbled by hard events my whole life, and have always adjusted the armor and walked headfirst into oncoming traffic, knowing Ill get dinged or dented, but that nothing can break me. The event was not my choice, but I am so glad it happened. I wouldnt have been able to leave on my own (or at least at the point I shouldve) so I am grateful for the event, even though it was painful. I am changed for the better because of it, and here’s the kicker…MUCH HAPPIER!
My first husband didn’t want to be married anymore and left me after 20 years with two children to raise. But I met a wonderful man and we have been married for 40 years! I’d say that was a great outcome!
Such great advice. I wish I read this in 2009 when I got laid off. I’m ok now, but I allowed myself suffering. Love you, Larry.
David Butler – Impressive faith and tenacity on your part. Way to go!
Six months ago our Landlord for our business location called me to say I am doubling your rent because my real estate agent told me that it is worth that much. We were in the same location for 28 Years. Frustration and anger was my initial response. However, our location had become inconvenient we had grown over the years and leased two bays in the same complex but there was a bay in between the two. The Property Management company brought in new bylaws that restricted our use (no outside garbage bins). So then I started looking around. We are now in a larger single location and we really enjoy being together. It was emotionally very hard to leave our first home but the hard work and happy faces on our Team made it all worth it now. An extra bonus…over $2500 per month less with more space. 🙂
A divorce and losing a younger sibling in the same year. After my divorce I felt like a failure to kids and very lost. I didn’t know how to pick up the pieces. Then losing my brother was a level of devastation I never knew existed.
What saved and changed me was knowing I have had many experiences in life good and bad that someone I loved dearly would never have the opportunity to experience. I learned to prioritize what matters and the importance of the simple things. My divorce taught me to embrace change and not fear it. The happy version of you is worth it.