Tuesday, April 20, 2010

From Pain to Gain

The problem started when my sister dropped off her adorable 3 1/2 month old lab/pitbull puppy. We were anxious to spend time with Rosie...then pleasure quicky turned to pain. Poop and pee in the house became the instant norm. The pup hadn't figured out how to go potty outside of her own backyard. Chasing our cat and playing/brawling with our little Shih Tzu came next. Barking, chasing, running, jumping, biting...we were a little overwhelmed and ready to quit.

How quickly my simple life can turn into a complicated stressful experience. Yours too? Someone gets sick, is angry, gets hurt, or loses a job, and I am feeling the stress and worry. But over time I have seen the worst turn into the best. I have seen what orginally caused me stress and anguish bring me future joy. The burden typically comes first and then the blessing. The pain forces me to try something new or change my direction. Later, that new course, though painful to get on, becomes my accomplishment.

So we had to change our routines with Rosie. We eliminated throw rugs - instant potty depositories - and minimized time with the other animals. We brought out the crate to help Rosie calm down and rest, and we set up a place for her to run outside. We started taking more frequent walks with both dogs and used treats to reward responsible outdoor potty practices. And the stress minimized. And my daughter and I feel like we accomplished something. But more than that, I know that a blessing may come, when I don't expect it. Sometimes I try to think creatively about it... Maybe what I learned or remembered to do with Rosie will help me in the near future. Or maybe helping my sister will be more of a help to her than I imagined ... and she'll thank me with homemade chocolate chip cookies. Hint. Hint.

In the Bible, the beatitudes say:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Even Jesus spoke of the suffering coming first...then the blessing.
Hope you will creatively anticipate the joy that will come out of your current pain. :)