The Resilient Spirit

Some of us pray for patience, and some for strength, some pray for peace, and some just for a way to make it through. They say that it's not IF difficult times will come our way, it's just a matter of WHEN. So for me, I pray for resilience, to bring me back quickly and place me back on track and back to that place of focus.  

Have you ever watched a group of children playing? There are usually two kids in particular that stand out. There's the one kid that you'll see fall or get hurt in some way and they react in one of two ways. They either run crying and never return, or they sit where they fall for a long while sulking and waiting for someone to come rescue them. I think this may be the girl that I was in the past, as a child, and maybe a little into my adulthood...

Then there's the other kid. This kid falls, pauses for just a moment, and jumps right back up and is right back in it. Takes off running, stumbles, pushes himself up and keeps on running. Someone says something to him. It doesn't faze him. He shrugs his shoulders and keeps on going. This kid is my hero. He just doesn't stop. He refuses to stop. He is completely sure that what he's got his eyes on is so much bigger than that one moment, and with this he moves forward with little to no hesitation. As simple minded as it seems. This is my visual of a resilient spirit and this is the kid I want to be for the rest of my life.

I believe that it is a fact that the closer your relationship to God, the stronger your faith, the more resilient you become.

In my life I've had to face many things and over time have come to learn that there are three things you have do to get from one moment to the next. It doesn't matter what the situation, whether it's money or health or relationship issues. The three things you must do are recognize, receive, and respond.

First, recognize that you are not in control. God is in control and that he has a plan for you that may not be what you want at that particular time. You have to recognize that God's plan is bigger than the moment, bigger than you, bigger than any of us. And God's plan is perfect. 

Second, receive guidance from the One and Only. You have to stop immediately and pray for God's wisdom and guidance. Listen to your heart and what He's trying to reveal to you and seek His wisdom, not your own. Seek and you WILL find. He will speak to you in a personal and intimate way. The way that He knows best to communicate to you. 

Lastly, but most important is to respond. You have to act on the spirits prompting. You have to move forward with your eyes open and focused on the one who will lead you to that place which He knows is best for you. You could also say obey. I know a lot of people don't like that word but it is not a punishment word. It's a word of trust and faith. You have to remember that if God shows a way or asks you to do something that He will provide you with what you need to get there. That is a fact. Whatever you do don't isolate yourself and stay in the moment. MOVE FORWARD... and do so in faith.

So, here in my current quest to conquer the elephant I am learning and relearning how to do all of these things. Sometimes I forget but never for too long. I have a great circle of friends and an awesome support system.

The Resilient Spirit that is led by God can accomplish great things! All through Him of course. It's not easy I know, but I will always envision myself in every situation as "that" kid, but the one who doesn't stop. The one who keeps going. It's ok to feel bummed when something happens but not ok to let yourself feel defeated, because you're not. Be confident that you are a child of the creator of all things. The one who hung the stars and set them in motion also did the same for you. You however have a greater purpose, in a much bigger story. One that reaches far past anything that may try to trip us up along the way. Be resilient and remember who you are. 

And so... I have updates! Thanks to Uncle Sam, so far this month I have paid $2500 of my debt off and God willing will be moving into my own place again with an amazing roommate! Not to mention, in THE HEART OF SAN ANTONIO! I am very excited about this and hope to have some more things taken care of in the next few weeks. I am also tithing at 40% now and feeling great about it. I just have to keep reminding myself one moment at a time, one bill at a time, one day at a time...

Thing to remember: Recognize, Receive, Respond!

Next: Getting Back to Me