because of, not in spite of

Over Christmas break, I was able to spend a week in England with my family. I've been on an airplane multiple times and can almost quote all of the safety videos, but on this trip I was intrigued by a new Delta commercial that aired before the safety video. The commercial talked about how Delta employees work hard to make Delta be a wonderful airline company because of the problems that come with the industry, not despite them. I think that's a really good way to look at things. If you have to ignore the problems that come along with a task, then you're not really enjoying it. Part of the challenge is to take a problem and solve it with enthusiasm, not frustration. I know that is a difficult thing for me a lot of times. I also definitely think I can apply this perspective to my faith in Christ. Do I love Christ because of my problems, which lead me to come to Him for help and guidance, or do I only love Christ when things are going great and ignoring Him when things aren't so great?

I definitely am going to be working harder in the coming weeks to have this outlook on the situations I encounter, especially as classes get going and assignments become difficult. I know school is probably the most superficial example I could come up with, but it's definitely the most difficult aspect of my life at the moment.

In everything, I want to be able to say that I love Christ because of my difficulties. Because I am rewarded by seeing how He gives me strength I could have never found on my own. I don't want to say I love Christ in spite of my difficulties.


"Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Grace and Peace.