Boxed In
- Kim Farmer
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Sometimes, maybe many times, it is possible to take a negative and make a positive. If you enjoyed watching The Middle as I did, you might remember the episode involving actress Amy Sedaris as a very high energy motivational consultant hired by Mr. Ehlert. Amy, the motivational consultant does a lot of crazy things in order to improve car sales at Ehlert's Motors.
The thing that really got my attention and still pops into my mind from time-to-time, even years after the series was cancelled, is a little speech Amy gives to Frankie Heck. It will not translate well into writing because it relies totally on voice tone, inflection, and facial expression. Hopefully you'll be able to use your imagination and get my reason for sharing it.
In a very depressed and low-energy voice with several sighs and a sad facial expression, Amy says, "You can say, I get up every morning, I deal with a mean boss, the economy sucks (not a fan of this word, but I am quoting here), and no one's buying cars."
Then she lifts her chin, smiles and in a very upbeat, happy voice says, "Or you can say, I get up every morning, I deal with a mean boss, the economy sucks, and no one's buying cars."
She's saying exactly the same thing, but it sounds totally different. Her point is that even if you can't change your situation, you can change your perspective which will change your attitude. You can look for opportunities rather than limits. Nothing has to change in order to see things differently, except your perspective. It works for big and small things. Just change the way you say it and you'll see it differently.
Feeling "boxed in" is a negative. Looking at the ways your choices are limited creates frustration and depression. What if you flipped the script and looked at the sides of the box as safety rather than limits? What if you concentrated on what's in the box and how it could best be used at present? Maybe being boxed in isn't such a bad thing.
God's word is filled with limits. He tells us very clearly many things not to do. He sets boundaries for us, not to box us in, but to provide protection for us. Parents and teachers set limits for children out of love, and we can be sure that all of God's limits are also made out of love. He is absolutely working through the difficult circumstances to draw us closer to Himself and make us more like His Son.
We all find ourselves in challenging circumstances from time to time. Years ago, when I was still very young and idealistic rather than old and idealistic, our Bible Study Fellowship teaching leader said in one of her lectures, "Everyone here is in a trial, coming out of a trial, or getting ready to enter a trial." I remember kind of tilting my head and thinking I'm not so sure about that. Well, if age has taught me anything, it's that Joan was right. Not every trial is big enough to mention much, but all of us are constantly going in and out of challenging circumstances.
Some of us may be feeling a bit boxed in right now. We may be tired and sometimes wonder if we will make it through to a different situation. I feel quite confident that we will, and I also think that we will look back at the hard things not as limits but as gifts. Wouldn't it be wise to realize the circumstance we are in presently is truly an opportunity to count blessings even on the hard days? What if the boxed in feeling is actually more of a gift than a trial? What if all trials contain hidden gifts for those who are willing to look for them?
Change will come, the lid will be lifted off the box, or a door will be cut into its side. When this happens, we will be able to fully appreciate and enjoy what is next only if we truly learn to give thanks to God in the midst of the trying things now. So, wherever you find yourself today, in a trial, coming out of a trial, or getting ready to enter a trial; remember change is inevitable, God is sovereign, His word is true, and when you look back the most joy will come from having trusted Him through it all!
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