I Set Myself Up
by Susan Thom(42)http://onsuchthings.com
I was so naive most of my life. I thought because my parents always told us to treat others the same way we wanted to be treated, that everyone went by that golden rule. Being a cancer, my feelings were easily hurt, and I was disillusioned a huge amount of times.
It's clear to me now that I was setting my own self up, but I was blinded by an honesty that didn't allow any type of mistrust in people. I was honest, so I thought others were honest. I was giving, so I thought others would be giving. I was motivated, so why were others lazy? I was warm hearted, so why were some so cold?
I wasn't jealous if a friend got a new bike or a new dress, I was happy for them, so why were some envious and vengeful? Obviously, I was in distress often growing up, trying to figure out what made some good, and some, not so much. As I got older, I was still blindsided by those whom I thought were good, decent human beings.
It unnerved me to realize that my decisions were, at times, too hasty. I believed in what I wanted to believe, and overlooked the rest. If someone appeared to be humble and responsible and spiritual, I believed them to be. I found out the hard way that looks can be deceiving. And that my desire to believe in good, sometimes clouded my judgment.
It also caused me a lot of grief and heartache, dealing with others who simply did not understand boundaries and not crossing over certain lines. It took me a long time to accept that others didn't believe in my philosophies and beliefs. Eventually, I was able to weed out those who caused me harm, yet very little good. My loyalty and desire to live somewhat of a normal life has determined my path, and I will succeed.
I have also believed that if we do our best, and stay honest to our cause, we will be rewarded. If we don't take the easy way out, but fight for what we believe in, and have worked hard for, God will see to it that our wants come true. I haven't been able to keep up with my home the way I once could, but I have taken care of it for my family, for the past 21 years.
No one was with me as I cleaned 8 rooms and 2 ½ baths, while caring for 3 kids, 2 dogs, and a cat. No one knew I took my kids back and forth to every baseball or basketball practice or game. I was alone in every department store, and Toys r us, for birthday, Easter, Valentine's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, and, of course, Christmas.
When my kids woke up on each holiday, throughout their lives, there was a bag or basket of candy, and some stuffed animal or toy, and always a card. I made sure of that. No one stood next to me as I went down aisle after aisle and shopped, brought the groceries in, and put them away, alone.
No one in human form, anyway. You see, God was there. He knew what I was going through. He knew taking care of 3 kids by myself for 2 weeks at a time, was a lot of everything I had. He gave me the insight and the strength to do so. He empowered me with the knowledge between good and bad, and expected me to pass that on to my kids.
It was never-ending, but I listened to what was right, and continually fought what I thought was wrong. You never give up on fighting wrong. It may be tiring and annoying and frustrating, but one must stick to their beliefs, and uphold them at any cost. If these beliefs are good, and spiritual, they will be recognized and rewarded.
It may seem at times that God is busy, or just ignoring us, but that is never the case. Everything in it's time. The strong have that patience, and the wisdom to know that good things await them. Hell is dark, but there is brightness and light around the corner. Justification does happen, whether we are aware of it or not.
There are those that blame the world and all in it for their problems, never coming to terms with their part in any given situation. Well, when God deems certain things to be right, then one would have to wonder, wouldn't they? There is no luck where God is concerned. He simply allows the right things to happen to the right people.
If one of our Earthly children is doing all the right things, we either reward them, or want to. I imagine it's like that with God, too. Good people don't always meet with good ends, but there are reasons for even those scenarios, although I don't know what they are. I think the chances of good things happening to you are far greater when you are trying to live a good life.
Sometimes, It takes a while for good to prevail. There are rough spots along this journey of life, and it's in our best interest to learn from them, change what we need to change, and move on in a positive way. We can restart our lives anytime we want. We can use the wisdom absorbed from the emotional and physical problems we might have had to go through to learn how to endure.
We then can incorporate what we've learned, for our own good. We can finally let our guard down and be happy. All our hard work can become our reality. We can reach out to those who will appreciate us for who we are. We can have relationships that embody our souls. We can feel a sense of relief we've never known.
We can be ourselves, and mingle with others who are alike in their boundaries and beliefs. Yes, life can have it's rough spots, but if we stick to the truth, and stay strong in our beliefs, we will prosper and be happy. God will always make sure that those who don't live by the golden rule, receive what they put forth, and those that do, get what they deserve.
Article submitted Sunday, May 10, 2009 & read 301 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Jane Bullard (1 year 81 days ago.)
Dear Sue,You are a remarkable person. What gave me as a reader the most joy was when you wrote about not really ever being alone, for God was watching over you. I admire your tenacity for your children and for life. Keep growing. God bless you.Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(42) (1 year 81 days ago.)
hi jane,
what a wonderful comment.
i thank you sincerely. and i was so happy that all 3 of my kids called me for mother's day.
i have held God close to my heart since i was a little girl, and i'm glad i have, it's gotten me through more than i care to remember, especially the passing of my mom and dad.
thank you for reading, i do appreciate it,
my best regards,
sue
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» left by hasman from malaysia (1 year 36 days ago.)
You are a strong character. God is Great. I wish you many more good things from God. If i may, just to share my experience with you here. I was just as naive as you....the golden rule etc. All I wanted to do was not to hurt anyone, be nice to everyone work hard for myself and I did. But this world is cruel. Just like you ve said...looks can be deceiving. I ve gone thru so much of hardship even though i stick to the golden rules. God sent disaster after disaster. I just take it that it must be my fault. Bcoz God can do no wrong.....He runs the show not me. Nowadays I just take whatever He gives. He calls the shots right. I m now the opposite of what i used to be. God bless you.Respond to this comment
» left by Susan Thom(42) (1 year 35 days ago.)
hasman,
i don't necessarily believe God causes things to happen, as much as that we cause things to happen by the way we think, act, and react to situations. if i throw a glass and it breaks, is it God's fault? will He then come and clean it up? or is it my fault for not using the brain HE gave me, to figure out a more peaceful solution to my anger?i used to blame God for a lot of things until i realized that He is my creator, not my puppeteer. i command my strings, He simply cries over the good choices and smiles for the good ones.
when people build their homes on the side of a mountain because they love the view, and want something different, and a mudslide occurs, is it God who is trying to ruin them, or their wrong choice to build where they did?
as parents, we teach our children what we believe to be right, and we nurture and love them. if they grow up and rob banks, is it our fault, or their own?
i hope you stay on the side of honesty and integrity. do it for yourself, and you will reap the rewards.
my best regards,
sue
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» left by Hasman from malaysia (1 year 32 days ago.)
Thank u sue.
I will try harder.
But life is tough. The people around u, the way they think, the environment around u, sometimes its those factors. I believe you are in a better environment from where u are. The society can make the difference, the way they think and behave. It matters where u are living. Some countries are just great.
Regards.
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