Should I take the good and the bad?

Good and Bad. We experience both. Sometimes we experience both good and bad in the same day, in the same hour, and even in the same couple of minutes. When experiencing good and bad, it's extremely easy to accept the good. We want the good. The good is what we feel we deserve. In most cases, it's what we have waited for. The bad on the other hand, is what we try to dodge. We don't want to deal with the bad, we don't want it and we would do anything to avoid it. We definitely don't think that we deserve the bad. Many times we think the bad is unfair. We find ourselves asking questions like...... Why did this happen to me? or What did I do to deserve this? Experiencing bad things can stir up some real emotions. So, should we simply accept the bad just as we accept the good? I think that we should.

I know that it sounds crazy, but I think that we should accept the bad just as we accept the good. The bad should be accepted for the following reasons:

• There are lessons that can be learned from the bad.

• The bad forces us to rely on God.

• The bad aids in preparation for something greater.

First, regardless of how you hate to admit it, there is a lesson in the "bad". When things don't go as planned, you fail at something, or things just don't work out, there is always a lesson. In most instances, we get fixated on the bad situation, which prevents us from seeing the bigger picture. While it may be difficult, we must find a way to find the lesson in the worst situations. The lesson may be something small, but remember that small lesson can be a real game changer. Finding the lesson can also help eliminate the other negative emotions. Finding the lesson helps steer you towards the positive. This is important because negative energy and negative emotions only weigh you down. Finding the lesson helps channel positive energy and positive emotions. It helps you take control of how you feel.

Second, the "bad" helps lead you to God. Let's face it, when things are good, we often fail to give God the time that he deserves. Life's good and we're busy enjoying life. It's normal and it happens, but the bad tends to change that. The bad tends to change the behavior quickly. Good thing is, God doesn't mind us falling on him. When we face bad situations, God becomes our protector, our answer, and our guide. He becomes our everything. The bad helps strengthen our faith in God. Just think about it. There are some bad situations that seem impossible to resolve. We don't know how we're going to handle them, get out of them, or even cope with them. BUT GUESS WHAT? FAITH IN GOD IS THE ONLY ANSWER. The bad has a way of reminding us of this.

Third, the "bad" prepares us for greater. It prepares us for elevation. It prepares us to be stronger and better. When the bad is used strategically, it makes us wayyyyyyy better than prior to the bad. Although difficult, the bad should be used as an exercise, preparation, or training. Look at it as an obstacle that you are going to master. When you get pass that obstacle you are on your way to the next major thing. When you use the bad as a way to get better, you are well on your way to something much greater. Also, you are more prepared to deal with similar situations or to help others in those situations. The bad has the potential to add tons of value to your life and to who you are. It's up to you how you use it though.

So, the next time you are faced with the bad as opposed to the good, remember that the bad can be positive too. The bad doesn't have to defeat you. The bad doesn't have to get you down. The bad definitely doesn't have to negatively impact you. Turn it around and use the bad for your benefit. Overall, remember to do these three things: Find the lesson, spend the time getting closer to God, and allow it to make you better. By doing these things, you will be taking the bad with the good. Most importantly, you will be on your way to becoming a better you and preparing yourself for the elevation that you deserve.