QUITE often I hear somebody telling me, “No problem!” In fact the phrase became so common, that now I hear another, “No worries!” No worries? No problems? How we would love to live a life without worries and problems, wouldn’t we? But what about asking ourselves, “You’re having problems?” and if we say, “Yes!” then tell yourself, “No problem!”
What we are saying is having problems is actually not a problem at all. That’s what I try to tell myself when I begin to feel overwhelmed. And then I remind myself that the only people I am aware of who don’t have troubles are gathered in peaceful, little burial plots. There they have no care, no moment of stress and no obstacle to ruin a day. All is calm. All is serene. Most of our cities have at least one such worry-free zone. They are called cemeteries or graveyards.
But if you’re still breathing, you have difficulties. It’s the way of life. And believe it or not, most of your problems may actually be better for you than you think. Let me explain. Maybe you have seen the Great Barrier Reef, stretching some 1,800 miles from New Guinea to Australia. Tour guides regularly take visitors to view the reef. On one tour, the guide was asked an interesting question. “I notice that the lagoon side of the reef looks pale and lifeless, while the ocean side is vibrant and colourful,” a traveller observed. “Why is this?”
The guide gave an interesting answer: “The coral around the lagoon side is in still, calm water, with no challenge for its survival. It dies early. The coral on the ocean side is constantly being tested by wind, waves, storms; surges of power. It has to fight for survival every day of its life. As it is challenged and tested it changes and adapts. It grows healthy. It grows strong. And it reproduces.” Then he added this telling note: “That’s the way it is with every living organism.”
That’s how it is with people. Challenged and tested, we come alive. Like coral pounded by the sea, we grow. Physical demands can cause us to grow stronger. Mental and emotional stress can produce tough-mindedness and resiliency. Spiritual testing can produce strength of character and faithfulness. So do you have a problem – just say, “no problem.” That’s the way, to grow strong and tough..!
