Spoiler Alert

            Sometimes, when I read, I try to rush past the details or the "boring parts" to find out what happens next. I constantly try to get to the climax and closing as quickly as possible. I forget that those details are an important part of the story and it would do me some good to take the time to read them. The details make up the story and you can enjoy the outcome a lot more by focusing more on those details. There's a saying that has to do with that, it goes kind of like this: No matter where you're going or how it all ends, it's the journey that matters the most.

            That was part of one of my diary entries from a couple years ago. I kept flipping ahead in this book I was reading at the time because I just knew something interesting was coming. I forgot the fact that authors intentionally include most of those details to build up the storyline and develop the characters. I ended up spoiling most of the story because I kept skipping sections. You know, life is like that sometimes. You come to a point where you feel like nothing interesting is happening, and you would prefer to skip ahead to the next chapter. Philippians 4:11 states, "For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." My pastor likes to bring up that verse a lot in his preaching, probably because we live in a fast-paced society. We want things instantly with a gotta-have-it now mindset. Contentment with what you have and where you are is a foreign concept to most. Some people end up compromising their beliefs, some complain, some want to start all over again, and some just give up. But God probably has something different in mind when He puts us all in different chapters and stages of life. Yes, some are more remarkable than others, but those uninteresting stages can be a time of learning. When life seems to be stuck, maybe it's your attitude that needs to be unstuck. You should look at the hard times or dull moments as a time of character development. You never know what's going to happen next or what your learning experiences might be training you for. That in itself is pretty thrilling if you think about it. We can't see what's beyond the fog, but God can and He knows what He's doing in our lives. I've used this verse before, and it's one of my favorites because of the promise it brings: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) So, instead of focusing on our  negative or tedious circumstances, we should look for the opportunities to learn and grow through those circumstances. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!"

            ***Side note: Happy Leap Day! I know it's almost over now and so is the month, but I still just had to get my February post in. I may go back to further develop this topic again in the future, but for now I hope you all had a wonderful extra day :)