1881 image of young Victorian lad hiding his disappointed face from the world among the trees
Have you ever been disappointed? Seriously! Have you? Stupid question? Well, judging by the way some people deal with even lesser obstacles, I really have to wonder.
It is normal to have a bit of a let-down after the Feast, especially the first few days of dealing with “the world”. However, if you truly feasted on spiritual meat, second gear should soon kick in and keep you going all through the winter months. If not, then perhaps you need to dig down deep and look at what is causing it.
Have you ever looked forward to something? Have you looked forward to something significant? Something special? Maybe even a once in a lifetime event? Ever have it ruined?
I think everyone should read an article on the Huff Post. I know, I know, but there really are some good articles on it if you look hard enough. One article in particular, I had trouble finishing it because the whole idea made me pretty angry. The article is “My Mom Ruined My Wedding Day“.
I want to give you perspective. Maybe that story will help.
In life will come many disappointments. Some will be big. Maybe it won’t be a wedding, but maybe it will be your health. Some people are literally sick for years, but is that a reason to develop a root of bitterness? Maybe it will be the premature loss of a loved one. My mother died in a car accident, and that tore my father apart. An entire series of events conspired to put me into a position that I would never have envisioned or asked for, but is that a reason to develop a root of bitterness? Some have ongoing trials with relatives, employers or others they must associate with, but is that a reason to develop a root of bitterness?
In a few days, I will share a story of disappointment, should it get approved. It is fiction, but it has some real world grounding. It could happen to me or to you, if we allow it, that our disappointments lead to the root of bitterness.
You know, many who have left the Church (or even sometimes certain church organizations, I should add) still have a root of bitterness after 18 years. You can stumble upon it over the web all over. I have covered some of these individuals or groups before. They are all anti-COG, even one who claims to be part of the larger Church shows such a bitterness that he makes up doctrines in order to be special and different. Some hold a grudge exactly because they had to grow up differently, as though that were something to be ashamed of or even wrong. I shake my head at the small things that will set people off.
Of course, some did suffer abuse; of that, I have no doubt. The problem is that separating out facts from fantasies or even delusions is difficult even on a good day. Many have taken to exaggeration and outright lies to bash the Church as a whole. Sadder yet, some used to be ministers.
Even then, how can one hold a grudge for so long unless it is a root of bitterness? Even if the complaints are legitimate, at what point is someone supposed to pick up their lives and take an account for themselves? Many have bought into society’s view that victimhood is cool. There is nothing like nursing old wounds in order to justify your pity party.
Think it cannot happen to you? I don’t know about that. I’m surprised at how some will still go off half-cocked over decisions that most reasonable people view as not only sensible but the only right action that could be taken given the circumstances. Yet, disappointment is emotional, and emotions can twist someone’s perception of the truth, if allowed.
The reality is that only you can prevent your own root of bitterness. God will give you the strength to fight it and replace it with joy, but you must decide to tap into it!