"I have made peace with not being perfect. That was a big step, following many years of striving, and realizing it was impossible." Kathy Spampinato

We all stumble at times, but don’t really want to talk about it. We all have weaknesses, but don’t want to admit to them. If we’re honest, we are aware of areas where we have a pattern of bad attitudes or bad behavior. Sometimes we wish we didn’t struggle that way, and sometimes we are defiant in our own defense with comments like: “That’s just the way I am” or “What you see is what you get.” There are also patterns that others see in us, that we are blissfully unaware of.

Our character flaws run deep. They have been repeated and practiced often, over decades. Our brain has well-worn pathways that urge us to travel the familiar paths. Our weakness can be the result of our insecurity, pride, challenges, family dynamics, or our lifepath. Our strengths can even leave us with a weakness in another area. As an example of this, one of my strengths is my desire to help. However, it comes with the weakness of being so eager that I will often interrupt you to say something encouraging. My drive to empathize can cause me to be disruptive or even rude. Being aware of this does help me though. Paul the apostle wrote about his own weakness and the challenge it brought to him.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 ‘Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’

Have you learned to be content with your weaknesses? I cannot say that I have. I have made peace with not being perfect. That was a big step, following many years of striving, and realizing it was impossible. I was not capable on my own. I continue to try and grow in character so that my weaknesses are covered over with the fruit of the Spirit and the strength God gives. I can agree with Paul that my weakness is an opportunity to show the strength of God in me, but I am not “content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities” as the above verse declares. I am still trying at all costs to avoid those things.

Those of you who read my blog regularly are familiar with what I call, my musings. These are ideas that appear in my thoughts, and challenge me to think. I look at life and how I got to this point, or observe the circumstances others are faced with and try to figure things out. My reflections ask me to dive in a bit, and see if God is showing me a human trait, or a way out of temptation. God’s word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) It encourages me not to accept the status quo, but to shed light into the shadows. I guess I am a bit of a contemplator: one who engages in reflection, observation, pondering, exploring or analyzing.

My goal in jumping into reflection, is two-fold. I want to grow and develop as a person, and I want to help others. I am very motivated by other people’s pain and heartache. I want to comfort them and offer hope. I like to give hugs and a word of encouragement. I also like to problem solve and untangle a mystery. Sometimes that includes a challenge not to accept the way things are now: not to settle for what appears to be inevitable.

I have traveled some difficult roads in my life, and am experienced with pain, both physical and emotional. I want to help others avoid the depths of heartache: to avoid despair and despondency. Perhaps I can offer comfort. I continue to seek and ask and knock on heaven’s door. I believe change is inevitable and we can determine the direction of our journey. I persevere in believing by faith.

With God, all things are possible. Life does bring challenges that we would like to avoid or ignore, but these are often the moments of biggest growth. What will you do in your moments of difficulty? The Bible offers some helpful advice.

Psalm 33:18 ESV “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.”

Psalm 146:5 “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God,”

Romans 15: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

The common theme in these verses is the hope that comes from the Lord when we turn to Him and rely on Him, even in very difficult circumstances. Our God is powerful and loving. He is present to us in our difficult moments. His strength is available in our weakness. I urge you to turn to Him today.

Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 33:20-22 “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.”