Thank You, Adversity

Inspiration from the iGnite Archives

April10_2016

Point to Ponder:
Do you view your problems as a launching pad—-a powerful and preparatory growth opportunity to take you to your next and important chapter in life?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

During one of mine and Russell’s weekend conversations, he inquired about this week’s journal topic. I explained that the first day of spring was Tuesday, and I am always inspired by this season because having proceeded winter, it provides a beautiful and organic example of new beginnings, growth and opportunity. The discussion went on, one thing led to another and somehow our conversation landed on the benefits of manure — gross!

You see, about a week ago our landscapers spread manure throughout our lawn. Mildly inconvenienced, our yard smelled terribly and Durant couldn’t play in it, but I knew that in the long run it was for the best and the poo pros outweighed the poo cons. So we did what we had to do and dealt with it. Very soon we will reap the benefits of the fertilizer and enjoy a bright green and healthy yard.

As our highly sophisticated conversation continued, we compared the manure on our yard to the manure in our life. We discussed different times when we’ve dealt with problems, adversity, and challenges. As painful as they were, they served and continue to serve as opportunities to experience new growth, necessary change and improved character, which is everything we need for the next round of poo, a.k.a. essential problems, adversity and challenges that allow us to reach our greatest potential, reach the next phase in our life and help someone else.

In addition, because nature is our best teacher, we concluded that the special ingredients to a having rich, healthy and vibrant lawn are exactly the same as living a rich, healthy and vibrant life. The recipe consists of:

Water – The grass and trees that once looked lifeless are now thriving and alive. The recent downpours of nutrients have given them vitality and are also producing what might be one of our most gorgeous springs ever. The trees are standing tall and proud and the wildflowers are smiling everywhere. Interestingly enough, our bodies are no different. In order for the body to function optimally, our brain to think clearly and our skin to repair, we must drink water. Just as the grass turns a brighter shade of green after an actual rain shower vs. water from a faucet, there is no substitute for the water that our body requires. Coffee, tea, juice, milk and soda are not adequate hydration substitutes. Drinking half of your body weight in ounces per day of water, cranberry water or water with a splash of lemon will give you a vitality boost!

Sunlight – In order for vegetation of any kind to grow, it must receive an adequate amount of sunlight, just like humans. Spending time outside, in the sunlight, not only provides us with vitamin D, which aids in the absorption of calcium, but it also boosts our spirits and immune system. This is scientifically proven! And, just as grass, trees and plants prosper when spoken too with kind and cheerful words, our spirit requires the exact amount of “people light”, i.e. friends, colleagues and neighbors that breathe confidence, love and encouragement in our lives. A plant cannot survive without sunlight and nor can we, therefore rid your life of darkness and fill it with light!

Fertilizer – It is incredible that something as gross and foul as manure is, it provides crucial benefits to crop and yard growth. The benefits include: improved soil structure, increased water-holding capacity, improved drainage, a source of slow-release nutrients, reduces wind and water erosion, promotes growth of earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms. As for our gross and foul life problems and challenges that we wish would go away, when faced head on and accepted as opportunities, they will always translate into a more gratifying, healthy and enhanced life.

With spring upon us, immerse yourself in the therapeutic and energizing season and enjoy all she has to offer. Relish the nourishing rain showers, bask in the sunlight and be thankful for adversity, because there is power in your problems. The special three ingredients come as a team and are filled with life blessings and opportunities along the way.