Jawbone

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes in the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD!

Often times, we go about each day with some dreams, goal, passion, and energy to actualize some defined objectives. While it is never enough to have ambition, we are urged to plan towards achieving our goals. We talk about setting goals that are SMART; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Cool right? For a fact, we all have dreams, regardless of the size. Everyone wants to be successful, and not be a failure in life. The intensive effort to be acknowledged as one who made it in life is never-ending. Howbeit, we have stories to tell of what we have dealt with in our desire to enjoy a satisfying time on earth.

The experiences are not always the same, but we can relate our ordeal as we hear from others what their experiences are. For some, their experiences are fair deal because of available resources from which they could derive support. These are those who enjoy the ease that comes with a comfort living; privileged. It will be a mistake to hate them as they also play a role in the world environment that we are in today. Look around for a while to imagine how life would be if everyone is just a single entity. Then, there are those with seemingly unfair experiences. It is as though the world is against them in whatsoever way. They are lazy, but they have seen the harsh side of this thing called life. If you feel that you belong to the latter, I salute your bravery to still be alive, even as you read this.

We have heard of stories about how folks who, for one reason or another, resolved to take their own lives. Pressured! Frustrated! Disappointed! Some we know on a personal level, even their situation we know about. But how do we explain or justify such a decision? Is it really worth it that a man should take his own life  because he is going through hard times? For sure, that a plan did not work out does not mean it is the end of the rope. Often times, we neglect the process involved in the bigger picture as we focus on the present time. Permit me to say that suicide is not the best way out of life, no matter the situation. Of course, it is hard but have you given thought to what could be worse?  Perhaps, we should all easily bow to defeat and keep our heads low in the middle of the toughness of life.

In my thoughts this morning, a scriptural verse popped up. And it keeps me wondering, to what extent do we think we’ve been dealt with to assume it is the end of the journey? Imagine a farmer going through such an ordeal. He has planted and likely applied all of the relevant techniques to ensure a harvest, but the result was futile. I could not imagine less of the situation as I’ve been there, although not as a farmer. Just like toiling all night to fish, and having caught nothing — bringing all tools to the table, and still unable to get expected results. It just keeps adding to the layer of frustration one is trying to cope with. You decided to try it another way, and after many trials, you feel this is it; you’re done trying.

So, what do you do in a time like this when it is seemingly unpleasant?