Wake of Self-Pity

There is nothing quite so off-putting as someone who is indulging in self-pity.  I will not go into illustrating a person driven by this mentality, because I am sure you have experienced one.  They are victims of sort.  Some that drive their acceptance and feelings of love off of getting the sympathy of others.  It is a personality trait that becomes draining on others and quickly overshadows the good in you, if you aren't careful.

My reason for bringing this up is not to illuminate the flaws in others, but help to illustrate this mentality so I can better identify it in myself.  The reason for this is not just for self-awareness, but because this is one of the most harmful emotions I could ever become accustomed to possessing.  Self-pity not only focuses on the negative, but also shrinks my own ability to overcome it.  Focusing on problems is like fertilizing them.  I don't know if you know much about how the farming process works, but being from a small country town, it is one of familiarity.  Fertilizer = poop.  The more poop, the more growth.  In plants this is good, in negative focus, not so much.  What it comes down to, though, is whatever I focus on will grow.  I have control.  

I read an interesting quote: "Over the years, we have occasionally wondered why others seem to have so many more problems than we do.  We've finally come to the conclusion that we don't have fewer problems; we just don't allow the problems we have to get us down or distract us from what we believe is important."  -John C. Maxwell

Problems shrink when they are eclipsed by our successes.  It is my job to direct my focus on the good and the infinite potential.  Unfortunately, there is something alluring about the negative.  It almost feels good to have problems and to get attention from them.  Sort of like a child receiving temporary comfort from a parent.  But when I stay tuned in on getting up and moving on, I will be far stronger than wallowing in the wake of disaster.  Only in the discomfort of the heavy waves will I develop the muscles needed to succeed.  Only then will I be strong.

-"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ..." -James 1:1-27 ESV