Moments of Victory

Life is full of challenges, difficulties, and trials. If it isn’t now … just wait. Difficulties will soon find you. But there are also moments of victory. It’s our responsibility to seek and focus on those moments. They’re all around us. This past weekend we watched the 1938 movie You Can’t Take it With You with James Stewart and Jean Arthur. It’s a great Rom-Com, but also full of life lessons. Here’s a trailer:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4PWIYRzPvo[/embedyt]

This year I’m celebrating ten years post brain surgery. April 1, 2011, I had a seizure that led doctors to find a fist-sized tumor on my brain. They gave me ten days to put my affairs in order. That ten-day period was an endeavor in faith that led me to listen to the wise words from my wonderful husband and friends. They all told me they didn’t have answers, other than trusting God for his direction.

After surgery when I could only walk with assistance … when I couldn’t lift anything heavier than two pounds … when I couldn’t make my mind put simple thoughts together in a rational order … I struggled to find victories.

But I waited. And they came.

Watching Others Find Their Moments of Victory

I get excited when I see others find their own moments of victories after a tragedy. I remember reading the words of excitement from a gal on a recovery website I frequent, “I can wiggle my right toes again! I’m on my way back!” Another said, “Ahh, to feel the sun on my face again after being inside for so long. This must be what heaven is like.”

I don’t have many answers, but I do know that our lives are gifts to us. I’ve learned to appreciate my experiences. I still have moments when I’m not as I was before surgery, but my sense of wonder and gratitude has grown by leaps and bounds. I know from my April 2011 experience that bad times may come my way again. Yet I’ve also learned that it’s up to me to decide how I handle what comes my way.

Looking For Comfort in Moments of Victory

I find great comfort in Scripture. There are several that offer a soothing balm, but my first go-to Psalm is Psalm 13. It starts with a cry of despair, yet closes with a moment of victory:

[box] But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6[/box]

Your own moments of victories are there, What victories will you find?

What say you?

What do you wonder about?  Are you happy … or are you doing what you never thought you’d do? Do you see consistencies … or are you all over the place? Drop me a line. I’d love to chat.

Struggling to find good in your life? Check out my award-winning book, God’s Best During Your Worst, or check out any of my other books on my Book page.