14th January, 2010 by Rich Dixon No Comments
But—this wasn’t what I planned.
Does that happen to you? You had things all organized, scheduled, and mapped out. You set goals, knew what you needed to do, and committed yourself to a calendar. Now, you’re ready to get going.
And then something gets in the way. Wasn’t your fault. Couldn’t have been anticipated. An unexpected detour. (more…)
18th December, 2009 by Rich Dixon No Comments
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” [John 14:1-4]
What’s the ultimate adversity?
One week before Christmas, adversity may boil down to long lines at the mall or difficult weather conditions for holiday travel. My wife’s scrambling to prepare for a party and receiving little help from a spouse who’s glued to the keyboard—that’s adversity. But I’m thinking along the lines of something a bit more elemental. (more…)
26th November, 2009 by Rich Dixon 3 Comments
“I realized that my faith was not in my paycheck or in the housing market.”
I read a great article this week about people who have discovered unexpected blessings in the recession.
I admire folks who can see the rainbow while the storm rages. I’m pretty good at looking back and seeing the hidden blessings, but I tend to focus on current struggles while they’re in progress.
The people interviewed for the article somehow discovered opportunities and reasons for gratitude in the midst of trouble. Many rediscovered simple but essential gifts they’d taken for granted. The common themes: Family, friends and faith.
One man who lost his job found a deeper connection to God. “I realized that my faith was not in my paycheck or in the housing market,” he says. “Since the recession, I’ve also noticed a change in the country and how we’ve taken a step back from excess.”
One lady whose family “had it all and we lost it all” says economic woes forced her to seize opportunities she might have otherwise ignored. “If it weren’t for the economy going so bad, I would still be blowing money left and right. I am grateful because of the recession. The recession gave me a new opportunity, hope and purpose.”
Wow. These folks get it, being thankful in all circumstances.
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. [Philippians 4:11-13]
Let’s all remember that God is good and that He blesses us in all situations.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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28th July, 2009 by Rich Dixon 2 Comments
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. Christopher Reeve
Lance Armstrong’s story inspires me. I hope you’ll take thirty seconds to watch this video:
(more…)
23rd July, 2009 by Rich Dixon 1 Comment
Peace is not the absence of trial, trouble, and turmoil, but calm in the midst of them. Don Meyer
Last Saturday my wife suggested that we should coach a youth baseball team together. I scoffed at her idea, a violation of marital etiquette on the same level as choosing a lawn mower for her anniversary gift.
Stupid husband tricks aside, she couldn’t be serious. Guys in wheelchairs don’t coach sports teams. Everyone knows that.
Then I saw this video of Don Meyer at the 2009 ESPY awards. I hope you’ll watch—it’s worth the nine minutes. If you have trouble viewing the video, click here to see it in a new window. (more…)
22nd May, 2009 by Rich Dixon 2 Comments
One ship sails East, and another West,
By the self-same winds that blow,
Tis the set of the sails and not the gales,
That tells the way we go. ~ Ella Wilcox
Occasionally I become a bit frustrated with “inspirational” musings about the blessings of adversity and the magical effects of a positive attitude.
When I’m having a tough day, when my wheelchair breaks or my back hurts or I can’t reach the top shelf, I don’t want to be reminded of the bigger picture. I want to lash out with my own deeply philosophical response, something spiritually uplifting like If you think it’s such a blessing, YOU try sitting here for the rest of your life. (more…)
19th May, 2009 by Rich Dixon 2 Comments
I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.
I spend much of my time these days seeking creative ways to tell my story. In the past few days I’ve been blessed to speak to two diverse groups about adversity and resilience.
I’m convinced that an account of a senseless accident does little to help, encourage, or inspire. But I’m learning that when it’s combined with personal vulnerability, the story can serve as a catalyst for powerful and profound interactions. (more…)
3rd December, 2008 by Rich Dixon 6 Comments
“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” ~ Winston Churchill
Last night I spoke to a group of men at a drug/alcohol recovery center in Denver. Those guys know about adversity.
I was struck by their overwhelming preoccupation with the past. In the process of acknowledging and owning their mistakes, they face a lot of regret and shame. Embarrassed about unfortunate choces, they focus on wasted opportunities.
All of us can learn a lesson in that struggle. Everyone would like to hit the DELETE key occasionally, but lfe usually doesn’t offer do-overs. Somehow we all need to recognize and learn from mistakes, adjust behaviors and attitudes, and move on. You cannot move forward when you’re stuck in the past.
That’s a message we all need to hear, but it’s easer to know than to do. Whether it’s our fault, someone else’s fault, or nobody’s fault, adversity threatens to mire us in the mud of past events and choices. I suspect that a significant portion of emotional and spiritual health rests in the ability to learn from the past without living there.
Question: What’s one key to avoiding the temptation to get stuck in the past?
Please leave a comment, visit my website, and/or send me an email at rich@richdixon.net.
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