(To join Blog Your Blessings Sunday, and get your name on the blogroll, click on the banner above and follow the simple instructions.)What does one do when one feels that he or she has done one's best, and yet nothing has come out of it?
In the week that went by I had some conversations with different people who were almost ready to give up, because, they said, they had tried their best and it did not seem to be enough. These people were talking about different things - relationships, work, studies etc. The common thing was all of them felt that they had done enough and if things were not going to happen, they were better off moving on to something else.
While I was thinking about what to tell them (because giving up seems to me a very sad thing), I was forced to think about the many times I have wanted to give up too. And I think I found my answer.
I feel that when the things are at their worst, an overwhelming feeling of surrendering oneself to one's fate - whatever that may be - takes control of us; It seems to us that all our efforts are in vain, and that we are fighting a losing battle. And all we can do is give up.
But, it is at times like this that we have to give our best. If the circumstances are tough, we simply need to be tougher. However hard we might have tried in the past, we just have to try harder.
In short, we must never give up...and if we can do that we are truly blessed!
In the week that went by I had some conversations with different people who were almost ready to give up, because, they said, they had tried their best and it did not seem to be enough. These people were talking about different things - relationships, work, studies etc. The common thing was all of them felt that they had done enough and if things were not going to happen, they were better off moving on to something else.
While I was thinking about what to tell them (because giving up seems to me a very sad thing), I was forced to think about the many times I have wanted to give up too. And I think I found my answer.
I feel that when the things are at their worst, an overwhelming feeling of surrendering oneself to one's fate - whatever that may be - takes control of us; It seems to us that all our efforts are in vain, and that we are fighting a losing battle. And all we can do is give up.
But, it is at times like this that we have to give our best. If the circumstances are tough, we simply need to be tougher. However hard we might have tried in the past, we just have to try harder.
In short, we must never give up...and if we can do that we are truly blessed!
7 comments:
Neo,
Great post. I heard a local artist talk about this feeling a few weeks ago. He was a Romanian immigrant who faced a fair few challenges over the years. "You let it happen, and you keep going, and you will be OK."
Worked for me!
God bless.
Happy BYB Sunday my friend! Hope you have a great week ahead!
You can give your best in one direction and not get the results you wanted... and if that happens, change the direction a little... modify the end-point and give your best again...
Case in point... The "Old Green Bus" is sold to someone else... what would we do? Look for another bus. The ONE is special and our goal... and we have invested a whack of time and energy towards it... but if we "lose" our quest, we won't... we will simply modify the parameters and try again.
Giving up is never an option... but modification of your goals a little can sometimes be the route to go to win the end-game.
When we want to give up, that is when we most need to turn to God. We can't "do it" alone. God already knows we need help -- he wants us to acknowledge it. He is there waiting to help. All we need to do is ask. He answers in various ways. He knows the big picture and knows what is best for us. We don't always. I find it best to put "it" in His hands.
hmmm. as in all things & is oft quoted - everything comes back to balance.
never giving up is a very good trait indeed. yet knowing when one really has done everything possible (and more), yet then one knows that the correct thing to do next is to move on/change/correct/take action
it's all about getting to that right balance of stubborn-ness VS going with the flo~
As I read your wise words this evening I'm reminded of quotes I used to share with students when they felt frustrated and ready to quit. FDR said something like 'when you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on' ... but my favorite is a Buddhist thought suggesting that 'when we're facing the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.'
I've published my 3rd BYBS post at Sacred Ruminations this evening and hope folks will visit as time permits.
Hugs and blessings,
Very inspiring post, Neo. Thanks for this one. There are things in my life now that I am doing everything to accomplish and there are days when I feel like giving up. Only His grace keeps me going.
Have a blessed week ahead!
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