So, you did it. You took that big step towards your future. Maybe you made a big move. Maybe you quit your job. Maybe you took a chance on a relationship. It was risky and you still aren’t entirely sure how it will all come together. You looked down the diverging road and chose the difficult path. You have plans, but if you’re honest with yourself (and others) the plans are flimsy; some circumstances are unpredictable. But, you thought about it, prayed about, sought wise counsel and still, you’re driven towards the more difficult path. If it works out, it might yield the greatest fruit. If it fails, well, you’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Something within you, something deeper than the depths of your soul is urging you forward to take this step and despite the inexplicable lack of reasoning, you have peace and clarity that God is whispering you forward one step. You’re confident He will reveal the way one step at a time. He made you; He knows you, and you have chosen to trust Him and take a leap.
And you know what? You don’t have to pretend it's easy. You haven’t lost the right to cry, vent, or get frustrated. You are not suddenly immune to feeling the pressure. But what you do with that pressure matters. you choose the difficult road, but the road forks again. Generally, you have two options. One is a regenerative path that strengthens and propels you forward. The other is degenerative and will hold you back.
Complaining is degenerative. It has no good purpose other than to chew up and spit out and then chew up again the same old feelings, thoughts, and problems. It is rooted in discontentment; it recognizes a problem, but it doesn’t seek a solution. And then sometimes, it creates problems that aren’t there. Complaining is moaning. It’s attention-seeking. It’s repetitive. If you’re complaining about the difficult path you chose, then you have one of two options. Either go back to the road frequently traveled or get some perspective and start learning to process hardship in a healthy manner.
Processing your situation is regenerative. It looks at a problem, rightfully so identifies it as a problem, a hardship, and a difficult situation. But, rather than encouraging us to wallow, healthy processing validates every natural emotion associated with facing such a problem, seeks a solution, or learns how to manage.
When we stop being honest with others about the stress we’re experiencing, or what we’re feeling (even though it was our choice), we risk being dishonest with ourselves and God. We stop asking for help. We grow prideful, walk in disillusionment, and lose steam way faster. That is the road much traveled and leads only to failure.
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