Laugh So You Don't Cry

I've received rejection from 2 different excellent running opportunities recently. They were both things that I really wanted and sincerely thought I had a decent shot at being selected for. I prayed so hard that the outcome would be different, but I just didn't make the cut in either case. And it really stung. I didn't understand why my prayers seemed to have been answered with such a booming "NO!" and it got me really down for a while. Two things helped pull me out of my funk...

I had spent so much time thinking the only two possible answers to my prayers were YES and NO. It never occurred to me that there were other options. In many circumstances in life, when you ask for what you want, you either get it or you don't. When you ask for a studio apartment, the landlord doesn't tell you that he has a 2-bedroom available for the same rent. But, I think God does that. Sometimes you just have to be really patient. Instead of YES or NO, sometimes he says "Just wait! I have something much better in mind for you!" And it's crazy hard to be patient. I'm dying to know what His plan for me is. But, I do have faith that if I keep working hard and put my trust in Him, it's going to be pretty awesome.

When I was having a rough time a few months ago, my friend Jenna sent me a mix CD of songs to cheer me up. But, being the lazy bum I am, I let it sit in my desk drawer for several months. A few weeks ago, I finally listened to it and put the songs onto my iPod. In the middle of one of those runs where my motivation was very low, one of Jenna's songs started playing: "Laugh So You Don't Cry." And that's what I decided to do. When I finally find out what amazing plans God has for me, thinking about the things I originally asked for will probably make me laugh. And the more I think about it, the more I realize that even where I am right now is far better than what I asked for. So, why not start now? After all, laughing is so much more fun than crying!

"The only tears that you cry, cry laughing. "