where it starts and where it ends

Sometimes when I have a trial in life I am lucky enough to see it end. Not all trials we have on earth will be worked out before going to heaven (if you’re going). When reflecting back on trials I try to understand where and why it began. Most of the time I can point to an imbalance of some kind and in the natural order of our planet and biology there is always a result of some kind to have a balance. Whether good or bad. In looking back over the past 7 years I’ve seen how trials of all kinds have come and gone. Some without so much as even a breath of air was wasted on them and some that lasted for extended periods of time. I can say with complete humbleness and sorrow that I’ve handled many trials in ways that make it difficult to say I’m a christian. I’m not perfect. I’m always a work in progress (as I am trying to improve). Some trials I’ve handled so very very well and can point to how God has given me courage, strength, patience and love to see them through. I guess what really matters is that I learn from the trial and avoid making the same mistake again. Even though history has a tendency to repeat itself I am working to buck the trend. I guess the saying, “what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger” originates from this very topic. One thing I will say is that not all trials are bad. Some just seem bad but it’s really open to interpretation. Like many things in life….it’s open to interpretation. One person’s perspective may be VERY different from another persons. That’s why we hear, “there are two sides to every story.” Lately I’ve been hearing different interpretations of stories dating back over 7 years ago. All I can say is that when you hear a story remember that you may not be getting the whole story. So back to where it starts and where it ends. If I’m lucky enough to see the trial through then I guess it will make me stronger. Either way, I’m blessed to be alive. I’m blessed to have so many caring and kind people who support, understand, appreciate and are true friends to me. I think I do a pretty good job of being a blessing in return and am promising myself to make sure I affirm how much you all mean to me. I can never say thank you enough.

In the spirit of peace and happiness,

Chip