Where Can You Go For Help?

I think about some of the problems we face. I am not speaking about irritations like not having a 4G signal, running out of hot water, or waiting in long lines to get a cup of coffee.  We have real problems. 

At some point in our lives, we all face discouragement. Things do not always go according to plan. Setbacks happen everywhere you turn. You cannot find the right job. The right person for you to be in a relationship with seems to be hiding. Maybe you watch the news or an election and lose all hope for the future of humankind.

Fear is another big issue. Sure, there are many irrational fears such as the fear of heights, spiders, or birds. (That last one in mine.) However, there are some real fears. The fear of pain, being lonely, and losing your job is terrifying for some people. 

Lack of opportunity seems to be a big problem. Some people do not have the necessary skills to find a job that will allow them to be self-sufficient. Education costs have skyrocketed making it difficult to make yourself more attractive to good-paying jobs.

Healthcare is a tremendous issue. There are so many health issues. If you are sick, there may not be a cure. If there is a cure, the high cost of prescriptions and insurance make it nearly impossible for some to afford it.   

Safety is another big problem. People worry about personal safety with murder rates, robberies, and rapes being reported by the news every night. We want to be able to go outside without putting ourselves in harm’s way. We want our children and grandchildren to have a safe place to play. 

So where do we turn for help? Psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors can be helpful. However, many of them disagree with each other’s solutions. They may help give you a way to voice your problems. However, can they replace your despair with joy? 

Some government agencies or banks can help finance your education, but the rules change so often it is almost impossible to keep up. If you do get the education, to whom do you turn for a job? Agencies help occasionally, but by the time you finish your degree technology has replaced those jobs to some extent. 

Doctors and hospitals can help with many medical issues, but there are too many diseases with no known cure. 

We should ask God for a miracle, but God does not believe in miracles. I know that sounds unbelievable, but it is the truth. People would argue that God healed the sick, raised the dead, and even parted the Red Sea so he must believe in miracles. However, he does not believe in them. He simply performs them. 

A miracle is defined as a wonder, a marvel, and a mystery. The problems we face require a miracle for us, but for God healing someone with cancer is as simple as us tying our shoes. We face impossible situations all the time. With people, these things are impossible, but with God, all things are possible. God does not provide for our needs and wonder how he did it. He is not amazed at his accomplishments. He simply does them because, as our Father, he loves us. He responds to our faith when we ask. Our problem may be a lack of faith. If so, ask him to help you believe. He will help you with that, as well.

To whom do I turn for help when God does not believe in miracles? I go to God because he performs them anyway. 

Jury Duty Day

Some people enjoy fulfilling their civic duty with jury duty. However, I do not know any of them personally. My wife is definitely not one of those people. Nevertheless, it was her turn once again to serve.  

The problem with jury duty is that it throws everything out of whack. It puts your normal life and routine on hold. You are responsible for changing everything to accommodate the courts. Babysitters, transportation, and rearranging schedules are all a part of this civic duty. I have had jury duty in all three parishes in which I have lived. There seems to be nothing worse than sitting in a room for hours with complete strangers waiting for the clerk to call your number. Getting questioned means more than a one-day commitment is possible. Sometimes it could take weeks or even longer if selected to sit on the jury. 

Fortunately, this was not my turn to serve. It was my wife's service. 

However, I did have to make some changes. With only one car, I had to make sure she was able to get there. I took a vacation day from work and spent the day in the area the courthouse is located. My second job scheduled me to work that evening, so I made sure my son was available to pick her up if her time was longer than anticipated. 

I was not about to just sit there and do nothing. I also did not want to drive home in case she finished early. With jury duty, there is no timetable established for the day. Many feel like a hostage. 

While my wife served, I decided to explore the town. I ate breakfast at a nice coffee shop. I visited a historical general store, a trading post, and an interesting yet peculiar art museum. I brought lunch to my wife when she called. Shortly after lunch, she was free to go for this particular day. My day was in stark contrast to my wife's day. I was at peace. She was ready to escape. 

As I reflect, I see the simple things in life that make it enjoyable. It is easy to go through life and miss the fascinating things that are out there. Our minds get lost on the big things. Many times, the big things cause us stress. The simple things can bring us refreshment and relaxation.

We recently purchased some patio furniture. I forgot how calming it is to watch the birds, the squirrels, and the sunset. I enjoy the quiet. We all need to enjoy the things that are out there. Some work too hard and miss everything, including their children growing up. Step back. Smell the roses. Enjoy your favorite beverage while relaxing from the stress of this world.

Stress is always available, but so is peace if you take the time to search for it.