I was talking with a client last night about his wife’s love of movies. He said that he didn’t really care for movies because there is too much tension and suspense. I commented that the suspense that is created is for the purpose of allowing the characters to find some kind of resolution. Without the tension there can be no resolution – the movie would be boring – and no one would go see it.
Our lives provide us with an unending amount of tension and suspense. We are often inspired by people who persevere in the face of challenges and are able to see their efforts rewarded with good fortune. But what about those who face life-altering situations to which there are no easy resolutions? It may be someone who has a cancer diagnosis or an individual who has lost a limb. What does resolution look like for them?
Their resolution may look a bit different. Instead of experiencing complete resolution, they may hope to find optimal ways to cope and flourish. Take Jill for example. She was diagnosed with MS and thought this was the end of her active lifestyle. But she had a nurse, who in essence, told her “Don’t stop living! If you love it and you are able to do it – do it. And if you can’t then figure out what you can do and do it.” Jill took that advice to heart and is continuing to flourish.
Life is full of suspense. Sometimes there are clear resolutions. Other times there are new coping skills put in place that enable us to continue living to the fullest. To read more about Jill’s story and many others, go to our store and order “Who Are You? Discover Your Identity Through Stories of Courage, Surrender, Messiness, Determination, and Faith.” I think you will find it encouraging.