We Are Able to Handle

I haven't written a contribution to this blog for quite some time. I wish I could sit down at my laptop and tell you all about the great spiritual leaps and bounds I've made in this Advent season, or the realization that my temptations can be easily overcome when I reflect on [insert quote here]. And so, without going on and on and attempting to sound witty, I realized what I could write about are our imperfections, and how our struggles truly point us toward Our Father.

I've heard this phrase (in some variation) a lot recently: God gives us only the struggles and tribulations that we are able to handle, and gives us the Grace necessary to overcome them. Our trials are specifically suited to what we can handle...hmm. Reflecting on this, that assumes that we will be able to overcome whatever we are going through. That alone is a very inspiring idea. But what is more inspiring, is the fact that yes, Jesus will help us overcome our struggles. It doesn't seem like it at times, but it is true.

The contributions on this blog are meant to reflect what's going on in the states of life of each of the contributors. I love reading what Clare and Tess have to say because they are both older than I am, and can talk about life from a different perspective. My perspective on things comes from the mind of a young seventeen-year-old woman, who is a hopeless romantic trying to convince herself to be content with waiting.

And, to be honest, I'm having a difficult time writing about this, because it hurts to think about. I am in no way someone who has been given great sufferings to endure. Reflecting back on that original statement, that means perhaps I cannot handle more than what I'm given, and more importantly -- what I'm dealt I am able to handle, even though yes, it seems like an overwhelming amount to me.

Clare once wrote to me about something I've been struggling with:

I've noticed that a lot of really beautiful romances come out of good friendships. Anne and Gilbert, of course, but in real life, too. And for lots of people it solves the problem of how to go about finding a man. It's sort of a contented mean between the two alternatives you mentioned. Sitting around waiting for the man to show up on the doorstep doesn't always work, particularly if you have no way of getting to meet and talk to a young man... but pursuing one is something that he'll rarely find attractive (though if he's expressed interest in you, there's nothing objectionable with letting him know in a ladylike fashion that you share the interest).

There is clearly a fine line between pursuing a friendship and pursuing a romance. How do you know if said Someone thinks you like him, or just want to be friends with him? How often is too often to contact him? Basically, all these thoughts are running through my head while I pray to be content with waiting. It really is difficult to concentrate on friendship when those natural attraction feelings kick in. As Clare wrote a few weeks ago on this blog, finding Someone doesn't mean the waiting gets even easier. He may not be the one you'll marry, maybe he will. Maybe he doesn't really see you as anything special. Maybe your feelings will change in the future.

The point I guess I'm trying to make is that we shouldn't wallow in our sufferings. And we should remember God's promise of salvation and aid to us in our struggles. While yes, I admit sometimes it's easy to feel abandoned, I remember those moments of assurance when I knew God was with me. It helps in those more difficult times.