Life is Baffling

Why is it that whenever you think you're having a completely bad day or think you feel the worst of all humanity, something happens that makes your "troubles" feel totally irrelevant and snaps you back into reality? Those of you who believe in a higher power might see divine intervention at play.

Most college students know that with a mere three weeks left in the semester, now is the time when the never-ending workload list seems to get longer and longer by the minute. You're feeling the heat and dreading the upcoming nights of little sleep. I was feeling that today. I was frustrated - frustrated with all I have to get done (and get done well or be forced to deal with a huge load of self-disappointment), frustrated with efforts to help keep myself sane falling through the cracks, and seemingly frustrated with most people around me.

About halfway through indulging in my self-pity, I quickly received news that two people I know have been diagnosed with cancer. One already had a battle with a different kind of cancer years ago and now for some unexplainable reason, she has a new, yet unfortunately somewhat familiar challenge to face. Both of these women have incredible spirits. As far as I can tell, both love life. One is one of the most positive people with whom I've ever come in contact.

Today's events reminded me of a similar situation I faced about two and a half years ago, however I pray that the outcome of these cases will turn out to be dramatically different. I was going through what I thought was a tough time in my life (one of my toughest times to date but nothing compared to these current situations and what I'm about to share). One night when everyone in my house was asleep, I sat up in my bed and softly cried to myself, scared of what the future held. Soon thereafter around 2:30 am, I jumped out of bed at the sound of my phone. My friend on the other end in disbelief informed me that one of our best friends had passed away in a crazy freak accident that's still too painful for me to really want to share with the rest of the world. He was young, 27. He was a new dad. He was one of my best friends and the most positive person I ever knew.

For some reason, today reminded me of that day more than two years ago. Both circumstances served as terrifying wake up calls. They were quick reminders that in most cases, the "problems" you think you have, really aren't major in the grand scheme of life. Whenever I'm upset about something, I always try my best to remind myself that things could always be worse. I seemed to forget to do that today and it looks like it came back to bite me.

The major question however is how can life always seem to put things into perspective so quickly, yet still be so unexplainable? How can I always be so quickly reminded that my issues really aren't issues, and yet why do the most positive people I know have to suffer? How can lessons be so naturally taught in the midst of unfathomable realities? Life is truly baffling.

On a relatable note, remind everyone that you love that you love them and keep those who are sick and less fortunate in your thoughts. It's moments like these that make us remember.