Contend gratefully

 2 Cor 12:7-10

Brothers and sisters:  That I, Paul, might not become too elated, because of the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.  Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”  I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.  Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Biblical passages have many teachings.  Today's 2nd reading has a particular meaning I can identify.  Any of our ailments or infirmities, mental or physical, short-lived or long term, enemies too, can be viewed as gifts, challenges, and are humbling, a way to make us stronger and wiser rather than bored and complacent.  Opportunities that make us or break us, depending on their severity and our ability to contend with them.  Rather than praying enemies or problems to vanish, i.e. asking for favors, what if praying as a practice is used as a meditative way to express gratitude?  JBP says it in this 15 second clip:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/K2y9_f6Ree0

In other words, what if we each own our... stuff?  All of it  🤠

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