Can Trouble Turn Out Good for You? – Relationship Retool

What Defines Trouble?

Trouble is a troublesome word. What does it really mean? Is it something that is difficult, or perhaps something you are blamed for that you either did or didn’t do?

I think of trouble as something unwanted in your life. Problems are often equated with trouble. I think sometimes we are not too grateful for the troubles that come upon us.

Can They be Good?

My great-uncle Earl Shaw once found himself in a situation that others considered trouble. He was a Sargent in the US Army and stationed at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii since the mid-thirties. The story is that his squad had done something to irritate their Lieutenant and he had ordered that the squad, rather than sleeping in on Sunday morning, go hiking early in the morning.

Of course, there was grumbling over the hike on Sunday morning, but there was a turn in events that made that trouble look like a godsend. They had been in the military for some time so they recognized the sound of the aircraft that flew around the islands. On that particular morning, the planes sounded wrong. They looked over the valley below them to see the Japanese bomb the barracks, including their own. Had they not been in trouble, injury or death was likely.

So, was it bad to have problems? Not in that case.

Are You Grateful?

When I have problems, I look to them for inspiration. That may sound weird, but I really do. When problems arise, I realize that I can learn a lot from how I act in relation to them.

Do you have examples from your ancestors that help you see the bright side of the problems they faced? I find it inspiring and humbling to see what they endured and learned from in their lives. I also recognize that they were not perfect either. They made mistakes, and I can learn from those as well. Look for opportunities, they are all around.

See — Letting Go of Defeat — for more information.

Mark Fincher
Chief Mentor and Trainer
Living Tree Connections