S&F-Discouragement

Part of dealing with cancer is discouragement.  The despair that comes from the constant medical treatments and tests with confusing results is just part of the process.

However dealing with discouragement and despair is defiantly not something that is limited to people with cancer or medical problems.  It is something we all deal with as part of life.

In today's Gospel we hear the story of Jesus's presentation at the temple as the Jewish Law required 40 days after the Nativity.  In hearing this gospel I was not drawn to it as a Jesus story, but as a story of Simeon and Anna.  Both of them had spent large portions of their lives going to the going to the Temple daily hoping to meet the Christ.  Both of them spent years ending their day with disappointment.  But they did not get discouraged.  They returned the next day with hope in the promise that today might be the day they would meet Christ the King.

I hope to live the rest of my days like Simeon and Anna.  Never giving into disappointment nor despair.  But I know I don't have their level of faith.  What I have is these resolutions that I can fall back on (credit to The Daily Rosary Meditations Podcast):

• Reject Discouragement: No matter how difficult the struggle, refuse to give in to despair—trust in God's power, not your limitations.
• Avoid Overconfidence: Recognize that you cannot reach heaven through your strength alone—seek God's help in every step.
• Persevere in Hope: Keep striving spiritually, following God's commandments, and trusting in His promises.

Faith in the fact that no matter how bad things seem I am never alone, Jesus is there with me, will help me through the tough times.  And he is with you too-you just need ask for his help.