Just how tough life is?

You passed by at your 3-year-old sister, crying in her room without any reasons. Your mom picked her up and sing a lullaby. You thought how easy her life is, just cry and be comforted immediately. But maybe, she really has a reason to cry, maybe she’s really not feeling well and can’t explain how painful her tummy or head is, we never know.

Your grade 2 brother asked you to help him answer his homework, it is easy for you of course, but knowing that their generation is just starting their lives from scratch, this easy homework is tough for them as you can’t imagine.

As you sit on the balcony, sipping your coffee, some high schoolers passed by, discussing about their project’s deadline and how strict their teacher is. And you remembered how you overcame those hardships when you were on their age, especially on your University days - when you’re excited to graduate coz you feel so worn-out studying more than 10 subjects - thrilled to earn a living, to build your dream house.

And now, as you process your thoughts, you realized how tough this life is. From the moment you were born until the moment you achieved some of your goals. But then…hardship doesn’t end there; you really felt exhausted, but you know that there is more this life has to offer.

Life is tough, we may experience walking on the road not taken; anxiety, pressures around you & hopelessness are some of your powerful competitors, it can swallow you up. Stumbling around the darkness is just so tiring but you just need to keep going coz you know that there will always be a light at the end of that dark tunnel.

As you have the second sip of your coffee, you remembered what Nightbirde said – “it’s ok if you’re lost, we’re all a little lost, and it’s alright.” You realized not to be hard to yourself, you survived decades of your life, and let’s be positive that you’ll survive more.

Thoughts are overflowing on your head. That when life gets tough, it is helpful to remember what has gone right. Count your blessings, remember the people who are always behind you and gives you a push whenever you feel down, Appreciate the air that you breathe, the flower at your garden, the coffee that you’re drinking, the smell of the food that your Mom is preparing. Appreciating little things can make huge difference on your difficult times.

Then, you remembered one of the encouraging verses that God has given to us:

Ephesians 6:10-18 - Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

As you finished your coffee, your father called you while your mom prepares the table, dinner is ready, you sit there and realized - having them makes your life become easier and meaningful.