Purpose Or Problems- Where is the Focus?

Okay, I'm sorry for my pity party yesterday. I just felt really, really weighed down.


I realize that we are not promised anywhere a life free from pain or hardship- I have a new outlook on things today, I guess.


To update you on the situation, I went in to the hospital today for an X-Ray. After a few long hours, I got the results back and indeed, there is a small fracture in my foot. I have to wear a boot/brace for 3-4 weeks and by a week or so the majority of the pain will subside.


But, I'm still staying strong. I'm not letting this bring me down. I've come so far, and this will not stop me from reaching the journey to total recovery.


I don't understand now why this happened. But I trust it is a blessing from God. I got to thinking- "Is it my goal in life to be happy? Why am I here?"


My goal here in life is not to be happy, pain-free, a billionaire with a million friends, etc. 


My goal here is to live according to the way God has called me to. My goal is to take every blessing God gives me (yes, perhaps this was a blessing), and to use it to serve Him and to build His kingdom.


Some thoughts from Rick Warren...


I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.

And no matter how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems.


Yes, that's a good way to look at it. I can focus here on my purpose during my short time here on earth-which is to serve Christ and share His love with others, or I can focus on the things and circumstances that are bringing me down.


While they are hard to endure, yes, and I certainly would prefer not to have them in my life, I am confident in God's Almighty Hand to see me through whatever other obstacle I may have to endure. 


As far as my current circumstance, during a period I was in a waiting room waiting to hear back from a doctor, I thanked God.


I thanked God that this wasn't serious.
I thanked God I was able to get an X-Ray.
I thanked God that I have insurance to cover all medical expenses.
I thanked God they were willing to see me as a walk-in patient today.
I thanked God for answers.
I thanked God that the healing time is only 3-6 weeks.
I thanked God for pain medications.
I thanked God for a brace/boot to keep my foot in a healing position. 
I thanked God because I am blessed to live!


And, now, for all of today's other blessings:


-"Give yourself some credit, Dylan! You deserve it!"


-A maintenance man saw me hobbling along and gave me a ride across campus on his gator!


-Hugs!


-Getting a group presentation bumped a whole week later! Phew!


-On the way out of the doctor's office, the receptionist woman said to me, "You are the nicest young man I have ever met. Your mother should be proud."- I walked out of there with a smile!


-"Dylan, you sure seem to be taking this well!"


-"I don't know if I'll ever be as strong as you are, Dylan. You are inspiring."


-Skyping with my Mom- It's her birthday!


Yes. I am blessed. Lord, help me to keep my focus on my purpose, and your cross. Amen.


Also- this scene from Soul Surfer keeps playing in my head. It's reassuring...