No matter how hard we try to be upbeat and optimistic, discouragement comes. We work with someone, try to help a person, only to be told that we don't know what we're talking about, that even though we may be experts, that person knows more than we even if only a newbie and inexperienced.
We think we can help, teach, give understanding and assistance, only to be ignored or berated for daring to think anything we have to offer is worthwhile. How sad, how disappointing, how depressing.
I've been in that position so often I should be acclimated. Why then do I take such times to heart and feel hurt? Because I hope, over and over and over. Even after teaching teenagers for nearly thirty years, I still believe that somewhere young people have a streak of work ethic, a pinch of maturity, a smidgen of desire to improve. I have met a few; they do exist, even if in small numbers. Therefore, knowing the unlikelihood of finding such qualities from years of experience, why do I keep being disappointed and discouraged?
I'm also disappointed by adults from time to time. I'm discouraged by myself occasionally, too. I need to find a way to bounce back quicker and easier, but my heart feels heavy for such a long time.
Therefore, I need to reach deep inside and find that core of optimism I know lives there. I need to forgive (which I do) and find a way to forget at least the feeling of betrayal, even if not the circumstances, the events. I can do this. I know I can, and I will.
However, discouragement happens and needs to be faced. Ignoring the bitterness only allows it to fester and grow more poisonous. I'll be brave, face it face on, and grow stronger because, or despite, of it.
8 comments:
Why do you keep feeling disappointment? Because you cannot reach absolutely EVERYONE? I know this is hard, but why we can't focus on our successes instead of on those we couldn't reach, I don't know... it's just never enough, is it?
Especially when the person not reached involves an attorney who doesn't know copyright law. By the way, thanks for cramming all that down my throat and into my head.
The first couple paragraphs really struck home! You feel like you're beating your head against a brick wall. Some days I lose my optimism and really have to work hard to find it again.
Sometimes it's difficult to keep moving forward. However, I'm determined not to slide backwards very far. I allow myself a short pity party, and then back to work I go.
Yes, Vivian, people do disappoint us, over and over. It is discouraging and sometimes we don't understand why. But I believe God's in control and even though He doesn't cause things to happen, He helps us through a situation and we even grow from the experience. God bless you. You do a remarkable job, and I know it isn't easy. :)
Thanks, Bev. I just try to do the best I can and what I think should be done.
But, we all go through this. God allows me to keep picking myself up.
Life keeps giving us new challenges. God helps us deal with them in the most amazing ways. I am blessed to know that God is with so many of my friends and acquaintances, because so many of them have been tested this past year.
I always love looking at your face smiling out from your blogs, book pages and facebook. You are what courage is all about.
Thank you, Ginger.
I don't know how people who don't know God and have faith survive life.
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