The Depth Of Your Pit

It's a strange thing having a painful story.  People never know how to react. Worse than that, I start to see that people feel that they can't share their struggles with me, because they have judged my situation "so much worse", that their troubles couldn't compare.  So to help them, and me, I have come up with a little theory - THE DEPTH OF YOUR PIT

Having trouble in your life is unfortunately par for the course, no one can escape it, no matter how well they seem to hide it. 

If you are at the worst point you have ever been, you are at the bottom of your "pit".

Now in comparison to my pit, yours may seem shallow, and in my personal struggle, I wish that my pit was the same depth as yours

BUT....

The depth of your pit is the depth of YOUR pit.  It is still the deepest you have ever been.  You are still sitting in the miry mess that is normally at the bottom of a pit.  You are still sitting there looking up at the sky wondering how you will ever get out.  Exactly like me.

I think if we can learn to look at each others' struggles with this thought, then the need for comparisons and competitions can be removed.

Personally, I like to hear about other peoples' struggles.  Not because I get any sick enjoyment out of it, but because I know first hand the joy and hope that is born from someone taking the time to listen and hear what is being shared, and I hope that I am able to give that to others.

I often ask God why he has given me these struggles, but I equally ask Him to give me ways to use them, to not let them be for nothing.  I truly believe that everything I have been through has made me more compassionate.  And for that, I am so very thankful for everything I have been through, and will continue to go through.