Unexpected Setback

Dear Muse,

Today I was hit with an unexpected setback.  Those are two words that are not fun to see together, “unexpected” and “setback.”  It was unexpected by me at least.  I think you knew it was coming.   So maybe you weren’t as surprised.  Maybe that’s why you were able to tell me what I needed to do.  Still, this “unexpected setback” could be viewed as a huge disappointment…if I let it be.  After talking with you, I realized that I can view this in other ways.

First, I can view this as a result of some of the choices I’ve made.  That’s actually what it is.  If I hadn’t chosen certain things, this wouldn’t be happening.  My life is 99.99% the result of all the choices I’ve made, good and bad.  This particular issue is a direct result.  Sometimes setbacks are indirect results.   It doesn’t matter.  Had I made different choices, I would have different problems.  This setback is difficult and disappointing, but I prefer this to the setbacks of other choices I could have made.  I made the right choices and if those choices come with difficulties, so be it.  I accept this…gladly.

Second, I can view this as part of life.   I was not singled out to struggle with this.  As it is written in the book of Matthew, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”   But rain can be a good thing.  Is my problem good?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  But my attitude can be good.   Good or bad, everyone gets their share of both.  Should I complain because “bad” things happen to me?  Are my problems worse than other peoples’ problems?  This is life.  It’s not what I want, but it could be far worse. 

Third, I can view this setback as a test.  Will I complain?  Will I tell everyone my troubles?  Or will I be grateful?  I choose gratitude.  Here are some things for which I am grateful:

·      I’m grateful that I have a Muse to guide me through difficulties.

·      I’m grateful that I have a God who loves me.

·      I’m grateful that I (unknowingly) prepared for this problem.

·      I’m grateful that I was (unknowingly) equipped to handle this problem.

·      I’m grateful for my health.

·      I’m grateful for my job.

·      I’m grateful that I have people who are helping me because this could have been far worse.

·      I’m grateful that I can write.

So, this setback is simply another way to live out what I believe, that life has battles so that we can have a series of victories.  

Finally, I can remember that this is actually a reminder.  The Enemy wants me to give up my goals, but now I am even more determined to get my house on the beach.  Rather than give up, I only want to fight harder.   The Enemy fights the hardest when it knows the battle is lost.  I fight the hardest until I’m sure the battle is won.

So thank you, Muse for reminding me of all this.  I love you.

Robert