Smile; Here Comes Trouble!

It’s very interesting that I was asked to write a blog about my strong faith at the same point when I was struggling with it. So, as most people do, I said “I don’t have time.”

Which is true but I need to make time for what is important.

This is important! My faith is important!

God always has interesting timing. When I was struggling, God led me to find my inner peace. And he blessed me with everything one could ask for: a thriving chiropractic practice, a new home, a spirited dog, a long-awaited boyfriend. I thought it was all going perfectly! Everything was as it should be, and then this week happened…BOOM! Life kicked me in the butt. “Wait, what? Everything was going so well! What happened? What’s missing? Oh, right…God is!”

That’s how it’s been lately: I let little things slip away one by one. I wasn’t surrounding myself with the best things. I wasn’t doing bad things, by any means, but just not doing my weekly activities of journaling, spiritual readings, mass, talk with friends, etc. I also see a lot of hurt (emotional, financial, physical) in the world around me and want to help (which is good) but on my own terms and by my own means. This is where Trouble begins. Thinking that my money, time, thoughts and resources are only mine and to be used in the way that only I see fit. But, actually, they are God’s to be used for a greater good.

Trouble points:

1. I’ve separated myself from a network of strong faithful friends, and have realized how much, I personally, need a community to grow in my faith. We all do, especially when we are weak. That is why God build the church; so that we can all help one another towards sainthood. When you surround yourself with good accountability and hear everyone talking about going to church, confession, a great retreat…things are easier. And when they aren’t around, we may sometimes stray. We are always growing, and if we don’t ask for the help we need sometimes, we may grow in other directions than we intend or rely on bad friendships merely to feel accepted. And, if you feel the need to help others or encourage a faithful mindset, don’t be afraid to start something! And start something again! And try again! I’ve tried to find a bible study, or young adult group and no one wants to pick up the responsibility. But we need to try! And yes we may fail; for instance, I tried to start a young adult group and it sunk like a bowling ball in a pool, but I know the importance of relating to others in a faith-based way, and will keep striving to find/create a good community to foster positive growth.

2. LENT- What is this “Lent” you all talk about? What do you mean I’ve dropped the ball this year? This is hard one for me to swallow and admit, but here is my confession:

This Lent:

- I’ve missed weekend mass not once but multiple times.

- Missed daily mass (I used to go every week),

- Gave up the snooze alarm …for 2 days? That worked great…

- Missed confession (what’s that again?),

- My morning prayer time? opps I’ll do it tomorrow

- Oh yeah I was going to journal daily, oops again.

Basically I let it all go. And there’s the problem…I let it all go.

My efforts become overwhelming and unsuccessful when I try to do it all myself, instead of letting God lead me in His way. And that stress gets in the way and sadly, steals my smile.

I’ve always been complimented on my smile; and I realized… lately, as I’ve struggled to do it all on my own, person after person has noticed and mentioned to me that I’m not smiling.

In fact, I’ve spent 2 days crying, (which I think cleansed me, much like rain water).

But, What?! Where’s my smile? Wake up call!

And, just like that, the spark is back!

I’ve come alive again.

I’m going to begin again, relying on God to make my efforts successful.

I’m going to fight for my faith again, brothers and sisters.

We all fail; In fact, I think that I fail every day.

But that is why we have each other and God.

God’s got your back! (chiropractors also help ☺)

And I’m going to start fresh and I’m going to start small. I’m starting with a simple smile.

I’m going to start with an easy daily goal of smiling back at everyone I see.

And what keeps me smiling is my faith, so to achieve my daily goal I need to allow God his space in my life.

Wish me luck; I’ll keep you posted! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Larissa is a K-State graduate living in Atchison, KS with her black lab, Tucker. She is a successful chiropractor, with two private practices with plans in place to open a coffee shop. Her hobbies include running, biking, writing and reading, photography and going on any possible adventure she can get her hands on. Probably why part of her heart lies in the mountains of Colorado. I had the pleasure of meeting and working for Larissa in her chiropractic practice. Our love of smiling and sunshine is what she says connects us. Because of this, we shared many laughs, spiritual conversations, and jam out sessions on sunny Friday afternoons...oh, and we also would get work done...sometimes. Maybe when we weren't doing burpees, dressing people as zombies, or something. Haha. Her heart for inpsiring and helping others truly encourages me and those around her to be a better person.

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