NEVER HOPELESS

Here’s a question for you: How do you go about solving a very complex problem or series of problems without getting overwhelmed? I’ve got to tell you that there have been times in my life when the problems I’ve faced have been daunting. You’ve heard of the old Biblical saying that talks about talking to the mountain and telling it to be moved and by faith it’s moved into the sea? Well those mountains can be nearly anything in our life. I know of friends who have faced legal problems, domestic problems, physical problems, emotional problems and addictions to name a few, and the biggest problem all those people faced when approaching them was the fear of being overwhelmed. Some have been overwhelmed and the results are at worst tragic and at best, damaging to the person and those around them.

The “problem pie” offers a solution when dealing with all we have to face in life.  Think of the last pie eating contest you saw.  Contestants all lined up seated on a bench with a pie sitting right in front of them.  With their hands behind their backs and no utensils they plunge their faces into the pie trying to take in all of it at once and take care of the pie as fast as possible.  But what actually happens?  Sure!  You know!  They make a complete mess of themselves, the table and the pie.  That’s perfect for a pie eating contest but not when you are dealing with problems.  Try taking it one piece at a time. 

You have been given the skills and utensils to attack the problem pie you are facing.  Prioritize, evaluate, cut it into manageable pieces, separate one piece from another and devour it one bite at a time.  If you feel like you are going to choke, slow down.  If your bites are too big, take smaller ones.  Don’t let others cheer or jeer you into taking on more than you can.  It’s better to have a few problems solved well, than all you problems smeared around to that they become a mess for everyone.  Who knows, you may even have a friend to help you solve those problems.  They might just be willing to share some of the load with you and eat a piece or two.

Take it one piece at a time.  Don’t rush.  Think it through and tackle your problems with the tools, skills and knowledge you have been given.  It’ll be alright.  And don’t be afraid to ask for help.