Boring and Exciting--Building Character

As the wise King Solomon once said, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."  (Prov. 27:17 KJV)  The proverb has once again proven true in my own life since my last post, "Boring and Exciting--Synonyms?"  Another friend came to me and added a unique perspective to broaden the entire discussion.

Not only can the supposedly boring tasks of life sometimes serve as doors to the most awesome opportunities imaginable, but the mundane struggles of life also can provide the greatest possibility for personal growth.  One may illustrate the connection between the boring and the exciting by looking at the novelist's art of characterization.  To quote my friend (also unnamed): "How do you make an interesting character? Sometimes, by avoiding the things that seem obvious or 'cool.' How do you make a character seem strong? Sometimes, by giving him weaknesses. How do you make a relationship grow? Sometimes, by giving it challenges."  Weaknesses and everyday challenges often make life seem dull and unexciting; but if we approach these trials with the proper perspective, they can become the catalysts to change us--to move us from boredom to excitement.

You know those weaknesses that bog you down and make you wonder if your life will ever count toward any great purpose?  They are merely stepping stones to achieving your ultimate goal.  Each time you choose to meet a small challenge or to overcome a single bad habit, your character will grow.  You will be a stronger person for having faced difficulty and having moved beyond it.  That is where excitement comes into the picture!  As you grow your faith in God and make a daily commitment to be the person He would have you to be, you will see more clearly the purpose that He has ordained for you.  Along the way, you will face the challenges that help you to form strong relationships with the individuals God would have you to know--friendships that will lead you closer to Him and to Heaven.  Remember--"[A]ll things" (even the boring ones) "work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28)

Accept the challenge and choose to build the godly character that God has purposed for you.