bitter vs. sweet

Sometimes the greatest joys in life can be paired with some great sorrow.

This weekend... something like that happened.

It reminded me that whether we are on the sweet or the bitter side that we have a choice in how we want to react. And, trust me, I'm not saying this because I am always the best at reacting well on either side of the spectrum. This is as much a reminder to me as it may be for someone else. 

I believe the most important thing to remember when on the sweet side of a bittersweet scenario is to stop and thank God. 

Sometimes we can get so caught up in our blessings that we forget to thank the one that orchestrated them all.  

Secondly, I've learned that the best way to handle the sweet scenarios is with humility. I think humility is one of the greatest qualities a person can have. Being sensitive to those around you sometimes doesn't come easy to all of us, but humility is truly the act of thinking more about others and less about ourselves.

As for the bitter side of bittersweet... 

These of course are easier said than done. Easier told than remembered. But I think they are incredibly important and truly will help us in times we find ourselves on the bitter side...

Sometimes it feels like God doesn't answer our prayers, but we see him answering prayers for those around us. It doesn't make sense. But we have to stay strong and know that He will not forsake us.

Some of us are the biggest planners. We make lists for everything. Me included. This is sometimes when the biggest discouragements come. When we want something to happen on our time and forget that we are on God's time. We truly have to learn to let go... put it in God's hands. This is tough. I know. But God constantly reminds me that this is the only way.

I've had many situations that I desperately was trying to have full control of and guess what, slowly but surely all of my control was taken away from me. I was left with no choice, but to give it to God...  

Some of them I have seen God work through and some are still in the process.

It makes sense though... when we are taken out of the equation, out of control of a situation... then when God moves it brings more glory to Him.. and less glory to us.

At the end of the day, even in our most bitter of the bittersweet moments we have to remember this... 

I can't tell you how many times when I've been at some of my lowest points in life and I have read a story on the news or in blog or spoken to someone and hear about someone that is struggling far greater than I am.

It doesn't take away our pain completely, but it puts things into perspective at times.

And in the meantime... a diet coke can go a long way. I enjoyed one today. ♥

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