Step Twenty-Eight: A Pessimist's Gift

Dear Reader,

In order to understand this blog, you must understand two things about me. The first is that I tend to be more of a pessimist. I approach all situations looking for that which is flawed, after I've identified those flaws I am usually able to move forward and experience that which is good in a situation. I also have a tendency of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting to see what will go wrong next. Now the second thing is a bit of a paradox. I have the gift of encouragement. Have you ever heard of an encouraging pessimist? I haven't either. Once more, I find myself astounded by the fact that God truly does have a sense of humor, but I don't just think God made me an encouraging pessimist to be the butt of a joke. I believe that God has bigger things in mind.

For starters, I believe the existence of such paradoxes are evidence of Him. Think about it. God and the world exist on parallel fields. If it does not belong to God, it belongs to the world. If it does not belong to the world, it belongs to God. (It is imperative that you understand that the Devil governs the world). If things went according to the "natural" or "normal" way (meaning that I would either be a discouraging pessimist or an encouraging optimist), we can assume that this is the way of the world. So when the "abnormal" comes along (a discouraging optimist or an encouraging pessimist), we can also assume that this is evidence of some outside force which influences us, forcing us away from our original states of being. (Think of metals, their natural state of being is not in the shape of a car. Some outside force had to come along and shape it to be a car). But, alas, God does not need me to prove His existence. Perhaps there is a far more personal reason for such paradoxes...

I believe that people are usually some combination of their environment and their own personal growth. My pessimism is undoubtedly a product of the life experiences I have experienced and the techniques I've seen used in these experiences. My gift of encouragement is probably a testament to the growth the Lord has done in me and my own choices in allowing and obeying Him. The interesting thing, though, is that many times I feel that my pessimism does not hinder my encouragement, rather it strengthens it. As if, having lived in discouragement, it gives my words merit and strength. 

Anyways, the point of this blog entry: life is full of paradoxes. Look for them, see what you can learn from them. Take their lessons and live them out. Let them fill your life to the brim with all that is good and joyful, because that is the only life worth living.