SUNDAY SERMON - I know that you think I am going to spin some fictitious story to support this topic. No, I am going to delve in some real incidences that are present with us all the time.

It may seem unrealistic to try turning your frustrations into joy. Indeed some frustrations are so painful and so exasperating that only ‘murder’ seems to fill our minds.

I remember the first time I got a double flat tire, I was so devastated that. I knew from watching TV that when you get a flat tire you are supposed to call the car derogatory names, look up to the sky and yell, "Why me God?”, then just be angry while looking for help.

As I raised my hand and waived down some motorists, those who did not even look at me got an equal amount of abuse from me. I became more angry and dejected when some looked at me and showed me signs with their finger which might have suggested I was the number one fool.

This charade went on for some time before I was finally rescued. So when I later shared my ‘tragic’ story with others, I realized how exciting the experience really was and how the experience actually made me a more confident driver. 

All too often we react based on how we think we are supposed to react in such a situation, as opposed to taking just a moment to think about the good in the situation and how we can make the best out of a ‘bad’ situation.

It has been said that one’s true character is revealed in times of frustrations. It is in times of adversity when others see us for who we really are, and not just who we are trying to become. There are many obstacles along the road to success. 

When we encounter these obstacles, our behaviour and actions will usually determine if we proceed down the road to success, turn back, or stay where we are indefinitely. Making the best of a bad situation has everything to do with our attitudes and actions. 

First, you need to categorize your situations into three categories. Those things you can do about the problem; those that will not change in spite of any action on your part; and those that you may not have any control over.

Do not lose sight of the fact that you have complete control over your response to the situation. Then, choose the appropriate action that will allow you to make the best out of the situation. I have not forgiven myself for the behaviour I exhibited at the roadside in the story narrated above. Here are some poignant examples to learn from:

Waiting in line

I was recently in line at the cinema hall. I witnessed a lady who was huffing and puffing, complaining how long the line was and how the cashiers were very slow.

"Why can’t they get more help?” she exclaimed, while at the same time saying, "This is ridiculous!” every 30 seconds or so. 

When she finally got her chance and was ushered inside, just about everyone in the line let out a sigh of relief. One person even clapped!

When you find yourself in a long line, begin by realizing that your impatience will not make the line go any faster. Then do something to keep yourself occupied: read a book, strike up a conversation with another person, or review your goals in your head. 

Stuck in traffic

The next time you are stuck in traffic, look at the people in the other cars. Although the suffering of others is generally not a source of humour, it is quite humorous watching how people respond to traffic. 

One time I was caught up in the traffic jam and, while it was a great source of discomfort to me personally, I looked over at a gentleman waving his arms in fury and screaming at the traffic. 

He then looked my side and caught my amused face looking at him. We both started laughing. He settled back in his car and the traffic started moving again.

Waiting in line will never make the traffic go away; this is something you can not change. Take advantage of this time by listening to some audio sermons or listening to some gospel song you have never had a complete time to listen to.

Getting fired

How can one make the best of such a devastating event as getting fired? 

Think positively about the situation and conclude that it was the wish of God to move you to your next destination where opportunities are awaiting you. Also know that when one door closes, another opens.

Often spend time lamenting over the closed door that we fail to notice that other doors have been flung open. Talk to others that have been fired, laid off, or had their businesses go under, who are now on their new career path. 

Often these people will say that their misfortune turned out to be the best thing that has happened to them. It is pointless and non-productive to be worried, angry, bored or upset.

Although these are usually some of the initial reactions to adversity, we must learn to take control of our emotions and move to a more productive state of mind. Look for good seeds of the solution of the bad situation. Every bad situation has the seeds of its solution.

You only need to look deeper. This is where a positive mental attitude really comes in handy. At the very least, bad situations can be written off as good experience. Some wise person once said: "Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want.”
 

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