Problems of the Day
When I awoke this morning, instead of crawling out of bed, I laid very still and listened. With the sounds of the television filling the room, I was reminded that I had fallen asleep with it on…again. I briefly tried to remember what I had been watching last night, but soon that thought passed and instead my attention focused on what was being said on the television. It was an infomercial. Most infomercials can be quickly recognized for what they are, despite the advertisers attempts to disguise them. This one was no different. On stage were two featured guests being “interviewed”, surrounded by a smiling and nodding audience. Their product, a set of audio tapes, were being offered with the promise of eliminating the problems of the day and providing happiness. Of course, the disclaimer of “individual results will vary” was sure to come.
I thought about the prospect of eliminating all the problems of the day. If it were even possible, would we even want to rid ourselves of all the problems we face? Problems are so much a part of our lives; without them, there would be an awful lot of idle time. I don’t think happiness can come from eliminating problems, but we can view the problems we face in a different light. I think most problems people face are problems we create ourselves by struggling to make things different than they are. If we were to see problems more as potential sources for learning, as opportunities for growth, and as a time to practice our patience, then surely changes in ourselves will occur and many of the struggles we create would be eliminated.