Yes, some bad things may have happened in 2011. But why assume that it was a bad year because of that? 2011 wasn't that bad for us. Now, 2010 was much worse! Our 3 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. The worst year ever, right? Except, I know some people who had amazing things happen to them that year. So, the best year ever???
I don't think I can blame a year on the bad or the good. And I'm not silly enough to believe that just because the calendar changed means that things are going to "start looking up". We have to look at the big picture, take the good with the bad, and find the silver lining. Do you agree?Only by looking at things this way do we see how very small we really are. For me, being aware of my insignifigance plays a major part in being happy. It doesn't really matter if my day was a bit crappy; things will get better. It doesn't matter if my kids woke me up three times through the night, or if I gained 5 pounds. There's always tomorrow.
If you find that you're feeling so down that you've got the New Year Humdrums, then maybe it's time to re-evaluate. Find something bigger than yourself--a charity, or a ministry. And I already know there will be some to read this and say, "What is she talking about?" That's okay, too. After all, these are my ramblings, and as long as I understand them, what else matters?
I really like the spirit of this post (and in your tone, Katie)! I might know what you mean by minimizing our significance and looking at the big picture, because I have a somewhat similar experience.
ReplyDeleteThere were times when I was in a group and I withdrew myself slightly so that I could start hearing myself clearly but not 'feeling' myself there. That way I got to look at others and feel compassion for whatever they were going through. Sort of a reminder to myself to forget trivial annoyance and to pay attention to what I can do (small stuff) for others.
Somewhat similar, but not quite ... :) That was my voyeuristic picture.
Exactly, Claudine! Forgetting the trivial is exactly what I'm talking about. I don't mean to call anyone's problems trivial, it's just that, in the whole scheme of things, is this REALLY going to matter? I'm so glad someone understood my ramblings :)
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