Tuesday, November 9, 2010

STUCK IN THE MUD

I don't mean literally stuck in the mud, but have you ever just been stuck? Not sure which way to turn? Not sure you're on the right career path?
Last week-end I was not feeling well and not able to attend our  Church service. I snuggled into my favorite chair, blue-blankie wrapped around me looking for something to watch on TV. I'm never home on Sunday morning, nor do I have TV on, so I had no idea what I had to choose from.  I found Joel Osteen.
He said "if you have a desire in your heart, God has probably placed it there." Wow, ya think?
He went on to say, that God already has the people lined up , in your life to help you get there. Well, where are they Lord?
Have you ever felt like that?
Writing is my passion. I would rather write than eat. Except chocolate. 
Joel told about a friend who became very discouraged. He had gone to 31 banks for a loan. He had a great idea, but needed money to back up the plan. They all turned him down, telling him they didn't think it was such a great idea. I'm sure at some point he felt like giving up. But he didn't. He went to another bank who agreed with him. It was not just a good idea, but a great one. Today that man is a multi-millionaire. 
I used to ask my kids if they had ever heard of a man by the name of Homer Glockenspeile. (Forgive me if that's your name) They both shook their heads no. I would then tell them, Homer gave up. Have you heard of Thomas Edison? 
Well, you know the rest of that story.
Even when we're stuck in the mud, there will be someone coming along shortly to pull us out. May be a stranger, or someone you've known for a short time, or someone who's been right there beside you.
Just remember, bank number 32 is right around the corner.

6 comments:

Niki Turner said...

I needed to hear this today! Thank you for sharing!

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

When I'm stuck in the mud, I get this very strong desire that God wants me to enjoy the moment. So -- I muck my fingers through the mud, I feel it running over my skin. I pile handful into my hair. I try to walk. That's always hilarious. Of course, I do all this in my mind. I smack my arms into its muddy context. Sometimes that hurts.

I think the thing to remember is if you're stuck in mud, it's God's way of saying surrender. But don't forget to enjoy yourself. Life is fleetingly short. Never ignore the simple things, or the preciousness of a moment.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Thanks Niki. I hope you're having the best day ever!
Hugs
Katt

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Joy, thinking about you wallowing around in the mud made me laugh out loud. When I was a little girl I loved to play in the mud. As I got older I drove people crazy with cleanliness. Today, I'm ready, like you to tackle the mud again! I think you're on to something girlfriend! What a great way to relax and enjoy the moment---not be all caught up in the "correctness" of it. Thanks Joy. Once again your wisdom shines!
Love you

Carol J. Garvin said...

Being stuck is frustrating if you have a goal in mind but can't get out of the mudhole. I like Joylene's idea of accepting the situation and finding some benefit in it. I'm not a very patient person, so sometimes I think God places those mudholes there just to provide necessary lessons in patience and persistence... learning how to look for God's timing instead of wanting things done to suit our timing. Other times I suspect the lesson may be learning to admit the need for help... or learning how to accept help graciously. When I had cancer someone suggested there is always something good to be gleaned out of bad experiences. I wouldn't say there was anything good about having cancer, but I did learn a few good lessons about relying on God and trusting in His timing. "Wait on the LORD; be strong and take heart..." (Psalm 27:14)

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Carol, your words are so true. I too am an inpatient person. In fact, my Grandmother used to tell me "patience is a virtue". I know Grandma, but I want it now!
Now, I'm a Grandmother and I realize, it's not my clock, but the Lord's.
Why did I have to roll around in so much mud to learn that lesson?
Hugs
Katt