“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Viktor Frankl, Holocaust survivor
There are some situations we just can’t change.
While the quote above comes from a man who was unable to change a major situation, we often get stuck in the minor ones. For example, I can’t change the weather when it rains on the day I planned a picnic at the park, but I can adopt an attitude that will help me overcome the disappointment and think of a way to have the picnic indoors.
Whether it involves circumstances or people, at times we have to accept the reality of our position. Perhaps there’s a family situation I can’t change, but I can respond to those involved with a positive, Christ-honoring spirit.
Isn’t it a challenge! Sad to say, sometimes I like reveling in my self-pity or even nurturing my bad attitude about a grievance. But God would have me grow into the image of Christ, which means leaving those things behind and embracing the work which He would do in me.
So today, when I’m faced with something I can’t change – like the traffic tie-up or the unexpected home repair – may I accept the challenge and see what I can change in me.
So, so true! Often I find myself defeated before I have even begun!
Every morning, I've started praying for wisdom and patience to meet the challenges God sends me that day because so many of them are things that I cannot change. And thankfully, as you say, they are relatively small ones, not like being in a concentration camp.
Yes – I need a reminder each morning that my day is in the Lord's hands and, as you say, to pray for His grace to handle with patience and joy whatever He sends.
I like your suggestion to look at these situations as a challenge. I try to keep things in perspective and realize that they're small ones, but sometimes it is hard.
Yes, it is hard! When you're in the middle of a "challenge," it can seem large because of how it affects us in that moment.
We get so immersed in ourselves and our families and our situations that it can be really hard to keep a good perspective. I agree – it should be a challenge for us, rather than us giving in to the griefs and trials of daily life… It's ok to be disappointed or saddened. It's not ok to dwell there. Thank you for the good reminder.