A few weeks ago someone posed a question to me: “Do you ever have down days? I know you’re human but you just seem to exude joy always.” The simple answer to this was, “100% I have down days! Who doesn’t have down days?”

The way I see it, if someone won’t admit they have down days, I would have to challenge that. They either have deep wounds or some type of control issues making them unable to display even a snippet of vulnerability. To some, specifically Alphas, it’s a form of weakness and a loss of control. ¹ But ultimately I think we all know we have little control when it comes down to it.

I know that for many years I had down days with struggles I held inside. It wasn’t that I couldn’t be open to sharing them, but more of feeling I was alone. A lot of times I felt I was the only one with a specific situation, history, or whatever it was I going through.

God helps us find joy in the day.

Those days it was tough to find joy in the day, let alone put out an encouraging message. But I had a knack for digging deep, putting on a positive attitude, wearing a smile, and figuring it out. Though it wasn’t the same as it is now…

I always had this gift of staying optimistic and giving encouragement (which I didn’t realize at the time was a gift). ² But it wasn’t until I started working on my relationship with God that I found I could really start to use it and find joy through that gift.

Yes, I have experienced joy in many of life’s experiences…like fun times with friends, being in college, winning championships, being drafted, playing professional baseball, having children, and working. So of course there was joy to be had.

Leaning into God brings greater joy.

And yet, while there was joy, it was still tough when those down days showed up. Like I said, I had a knack for digging deep and finding joy, but it wasn’t until I leaned into God that I could experience a higher level of it…anywhere, anytime! Read that again.

Sure, some days are tougher than others, but God has a way of helping us put things in perspective. Staying close and connected to Him gives me a deeper sense of gratitude for each day, a reminder of how fortunate and blessed I am…even with my struggles.

I am also reminded that God has never said life would be easy, but that He would always be with us. ³ I realize now I have way more than I deserve and that right there brings me joy.

Love God, love people, stay positive and be great!

 

Ross

 

 

Ross Buckwalter grew up in Ephrata, PA, and knew the heavy burdens of life at an early age. After a professional baseball career, more burdens brought him to a breaking point in 2019, but God intervened and saved him. Today Ross spreads hope, joy and positivity…sharing how he can see God in the good, the bad, and the darkest of times. Ross lives in Lancaster, PA, has a son, as well as a daughter with special needs. Check him out on facebook. 

 

 

 

Footnotes: (1) An Alpha individual is often described as confident, assertive, dominant, and charismatic. Alphas are seen as natural leaders who are comfortable taking charge and making decisions. They tend to be highly ambitious and competitive and have a strong desire for power, success, and to be in control of his or her environment. (2) Read Romans 12:6-8. (3) Read Matthew 28:20b.

 

Pictures: Banner: (1) Ross Buckwalter, photo by Ross Buckwalter.