WALKING ATOP PROBLEMS

Beauty of waves and wind

What's the Big Idea?

"Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (Matthew 14:25-29, New International Version)

So What?

One of life's unpleasant realities is that problems will arise. No family is exempt, regardless of level of functioning. The difference is not in the presence or absence of problems, but in our ability to handle problems effectively. In the face of a problem do we get bogged down in self-pity, playing the blame game, making excuses, and thus making the same mistakes over and over again? Or, do we accept ownership, coping with problems head on, utilizing our skills, believing that effective solutions are attainable, and cooperating with others to implement those solutions?  

Though we resist this truth, there is a beauty to problems. Notice that it was the problems--the scary waves and wind--on which the Apostle Peter walked in order to reach his destination--Jesus.

Beauty of roots and rocks

When my son, Caleb, was a little boy we took a short hiking trip in a nature reserve outside Dayton, OH. The trail was generally level; that is, until we came upon a hill, which offered two paths to ascend. The first was a straight, smooth path that posed no obstacles, only the climb. The second was no shorter, and was dotted with rocks and roots, which were no small challenges for little legs. The choice was obvious: Caleb walked up the first path. Yet about half way up he discovered that the smoothness of the path did not make up for the steepness. It was still really difficult. Progress halted. "Why don't you try the other path?" I suggested. "But there are too many bumps!" he objected. "Well, maybe you could walk on top of the bumps and use them like steps to help you to the top." He thought for moment and then shifted to the other path. It worked. He walked atop the "problems" and reached his destination.

Now What? 

Problems, though a source of discomfort and heartache, can be a great resource for teaching each family member the skills of life and godliness--character, mutual care, and faith in the Lord.

So, when a problem arises in your family, take sufficient time (and a very deep breath) and recognize that, in spite of the inconvenience involved, a wonderful teaching opportunity has emerged for you all. And always keep reaching out for the power and grace of God's "high and dry" hand. 

--S.a.t.S.

WALKING ATOP PROBLEMS

Beauty of waves and wind

What's the Big Idea?

"Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (Matthew 14:25-29, New International Version)

So What?

One of life's unpleasant realities is that problems will arise. No family is exempt, regardless of level of functioning. The difference is not in the presence or absence of problems, but in our ability to handle problems effectively. In the face of a problem do we get bogged down in self-pity, playing the blame game, making excuses, and thus making the same mistakes over and over again? Or, do we accept ownership, coping with problems head on, utilizing our skills, believing that effective solutions are attainable, and cooperating with others to implement those solutions?  

Though we resist this truth, there is a beauty to problems. Notice that it was the problems--the scary waves and wind--on which the Apostle Peter walked in order to reach his destination--Jesus.

Beauty of roots and rocks

When my son, Caleb, was a little boy we took a short hiking trip in a nature reserve outside Dayton, OH. The trail was generally level; that is, until we came upon a hill, which offered two paths to ascend. The first was a straight, smooth path that posed no obstacles, only the climb. The second was no shorter, and was dotted with rocks and roots, which were no small challenges for little legs. The choice was obvious: Caleb walked up the first path. Yet about half way up he discovered that the smoothness of the path did not make up for the steepness. It was still really difficult. Progress halted. "Why don't you try the other path?" I suggested. "But there are too many bumps!" he objected. "Well, maybe you could walk on top of the bumps and use them like steps to help you to the top." He thought for moment and then shifted to the other path. It worked. He walked atop the "problems" and reached his destination.

Now What? 

Problems, though a source of discomfort and heartache, can be a great resource for teaching each family member the skills of life and godliness--character, mutual care, and faith in the Lord.

So, when a problem arises in your family, take sufficient time (and a very deep breath) and recognize that, in spite of the inconvenience involved, a wonderful teaching opportunity has emerged for you all. And always keep reaching out for the power and grace of God's "high and dry" hand. 

--S.a.t.S.