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Putting
Disappointments in Perspective
Disappointments are
part of our everyday lives. They come in different
intensities – from small irritations to
shattering blows. They are unpredictable and
inconvenient, causing us to wonder
“wouldn’t it be nice if our lives
were in our control – if we weren’t at
the mercy of the unexpected situations that come our
way?”
When our
children are young, they observe us throughout each
day as we encounter little irritations and grave
disappointments. They see us make rude comments to
other drivers, lose our tempers, tear up in
frustration, and struggle with worry. Our children
are well-acquainted with our humanness. I know that I
have modeled inappropriate responses to
disappointment over the years. My own issues with
inflexibility and control have led me to
over-dramatize the unexpected far too many
times.
George Fox
Evangelical Seminary student and prolific author and
speaker, Poppy Smith, reminds us of some key
questions to ask when difficult and unexpected
circumstances arise. In her book I’m Too
Human to be Like Jesus, Poppy reminds readers to
ask themselves:
1. What
does God want to do in this situation?
2. What does God want to produce in me through
this?
3. What does God want to reveal about himself in me
and through me?
4. How does God want to use my trial/difficult
experience to benefit others?
Do these
questions put disappointment into perspective for us?
I think so! These questions encourage me to walk in
the Spirit, and not in the flesh. They encourage me
to die to self and live for my Savior.
I address
this topic not only because it’s good for all
of us, but it applies as well to our children at
George Fox. Your student will face disappointments
during the college years – small irritations
and shattering blows. It’s just part of living
in humanness on this planet at this time. The next
time you receive a phone call from your student when
he or she is downhearted, ask one or two of
Poppy’s questions. These questions help us to
look at the disappointments from the outside –
from the 1,000-foot level. They make us think about
ourselves in new ways – not as a victims, but
as vessels.
I pray for
God’s richest blessings for your family,
Sheri
Philips
Executive Director of University Relations
Information about the
book I’m Too Human to be Like Jesus
can be accessed at www.poppysmith.com.
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