Discouragement

The problem with writing about encouragement, of course, is that discouragement also exists.  Like this morning, when I simply not feeling the slightest bit of desire to do anything.

Discouragement can come from two places. The one that seems to easiest to speak about, based on the writings of the last few days, is that of the external:  people who brings you down instead of up.  Circumstances that tear away at your desire to do anything, let alone succeed at it.  The minor bruises and chips of life that wear us down.

But there is a second, equally pernicious enabler of discouragement:  that which comes from within ourselves.

We are often the greatest purveyors of our own discouragement.  The circumstances around us do not ultimately determine how we will feel encouraged:   we do.  We can be shining lights in the midst of darkness - or pools of darkness within the midst of light.  We can take every circumstance of good in our life and still only be discouraged about ourselves.

Is it hard?  Certainly.  Sometimes it seems that there simply is nothing to be encouraged about.  Outside circumstances do not go our way.  Inner circumstances are not moving forward the way we would like. 

And suddenly, discouragement.

The solution?  Oh, I wish I had a better one than something that sounds trite like "give thanks" or "just fake it until you make it". Neither of these really seems to work for me on a regular or predictable basis.  Instead I just try to hold on, hoping that I can outlast it until I get into a better frame of mind.

Because between the times of encouragement, that is sometimes all you have.