My Life is Not the Pits

A few weeks ago I saw a gal who at one point was a friend of mine. Not so much anymore, and I have to wonder, if ever. Apparently she had heard about my breast cancer and her response to me was, "Boy your life is just the pits, isn't it?"

I had to suppress the initial flash of anger and think about a civil response. First of all, my life is not the pits. We've been through some serious trials in the last few years, BUT WHO HASN'T?!

My life is not better or worse than the next person. The problem with comments like that is I start to think of all the snappy come-backs that would have put her in her place. But that's really not my style. I could post a few of her "trials" on this page, but I'm taking the high road. Those of you who know her...well, you know what I mean.

Her comment did bring to mind a few things. As a religious person I go to the scriptures for strength in adversity. There are a lot of stories of people who struggled and how they got through. None more recognized than Job. I believe there is more to the story of Job than someone who suffered a lot and never lost faith. There is a lesson there to those who were his friends and family and associates to not judge. (Job Chapters 1-19)

Just because someone is going through SEVERE trials does not make them unrighteous or evil. Anymore than someone who has smooth sailing is a righteous individual. We are here to be tested. "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (Hebrews 12:6)

But going back to Job for just a moment. He did complain. He did wonder why he had to suffer so much, yet he never lost his Faith in God and in Chapter 19 he recounts all his trials yet still testifies of God.

Here is the thing about having an illness. If you aren't the person who is ill, you probably aren't receiving the inspiring thoughts and moments of spiritual awareness that let you know you're going to be ok. I know I'm eventually going to be ok, it's just going to stink for a while.

Is my life the pits? No. Not at all. I have a terrific husband who can make me laugh while I'm being wheeled off to surgery. I have Four of the best kids a mother could ever be blessed with. And when things got a little confusing and we didn't know what was going to happen, they dug in and ran the house while I rested.

For the most part I feel good. About the third day after treatment I'm a little cranky and flu-ish, but I hear that's pretty normal.

So if you have a friend who seems to be enduring some serious trials, try not to judge. Clearly the Lord loves them.

Keep the Faith