AFTERMATH

Aftermath. The dictionary says that it is the period of time after a bad and usually destructive event.

The aftermath of a storm or other natural event is the destruction that is left behind. The aftermath of a marriage break-up or any long time relationship – when there are children or a child involved makes the breakup even that much more devastating. Children get the worst of it. They don’t understand what went wrong between the parents. Some even blame themselves.

Aftermath is a word that carries a lot of weight and emotional scars. Regardless of what caused the aftermath, there also can be healing from the event. Some people will seek counseling and others will turn to drugs or alcohol or both. Sadly, those that choose drugs/alcohol are walking down a sad a sorry path.

Regardless of what a person chooses to do after being involved in a life changing event, the aftermath still needs to be dealt with. Some people take the aftermath and work with it. It’s like the saying – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It’s so true. So, whatever life deals you, be strong and have courage. As my Mom always used to say, this too, shall come to pass. She was right.

I have found in my life – my faith is what sees me through the tough times. I have spent many days (periodically throughout my life) feeling depressed. However, in all those days of disappointment and depression, I have always kept my eyes on God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. I don’t know how else to live my life. Every day is a new opportunity for me to not only do my best but to try to give a word or two of encouragement, or lend a sympathetic ear.

We are all part of this life. We all need to have a person or two or maybe three that are a support system for the difficult times and for the days that are great. We need to share the happiness with those people too! Every day when I wake up I always start by thanking God for the new day. Every night before I fall asleep I thank God for all that happened to me, for the lessons learned and for the opportunities to grow, to think and to do.

Life isn’t always “a bowl of cherries”  but it is balanced out with ups and downs. If we didn’t have the downs (struggles) we wouldn’t be able to appreciate the good. May God bless you today and all the days of your life, Amen.