SURVIVING AN ORDEAL (6)

The essential thing for us is to have a goal set. After one has defined one's goal, one should sit back and plan how to reach it. It is never too late to become anything. Just be determined. Do what ever it takes to reach your goal. The other day I was listening to a speech by the renowned American motivator, Led Brown, and he advised: "if after you have done all you can and it is still not enough, you must continue to do until. . . ." In other words, we must persevere. We should not give up at one- yard line. If one's plan is gigantic, taking it one step at a time is the best way to get it accomplished. Just apply "divide and conquer" method-inch by anthing is a cinch.                                                              When faced with a difficult situation, search for answers; for a way out or around it. Nancy Reagan in her book, My Turn, stated that what is boils down to is that each person has his or her own ways of coping with trauma and grief, with the pain of life. "Astronomy," She said, "was one of mine. I agree with Mrs.Reagan. Each of us has to devise at least one way of dealing positively with a stressful situation. If you have not already chosen one, find one right away before the next bout begins. With that you should be able to discover that ray of sunshine on a dark morning, the light at the end of the tunnel. Ask God to grant you the ability to look at the bright side of things if you think you do not have it. Disappointments should be used as learning experiences, as catalysts to trigger us into positive action.                                                                                                                                      Blaming oneself is not wise. Rather one should look forward and find out how the ugly experience can be used to shape one's best, whatever happens will eventually be for the best. Simply put, if God lets it happen, it must be for a good purpose in the long run. During trial moments we are inclined to cry, thinking that the end of the world for us has come. After all is said and done, and the dust settled down, watch out, sit back, and observe how our Father in heaven made something beautiful out of the ugly situation. It will happen; just do not despair, do not faint, only be in agreement with God's promise that all things work together for good. In effect, every obstacle in life presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.