Despair

One of my favorite websites a few years ago was Despair.com. Having been in the corporate world a couple years at the time and seeing inspirational quotes everywhere about "Attitude" and "Never Quit" and such, Despair.com was a breath of fresh air for me. Its products are called "Demotivators" and all their prints and slogans and clever writing fit my outlook on life perfectly.

The first one I ever saw was "Despair: It's always darkest just before it goes pitch black." Some others I liked were:

Mediocrity: It takes a lot less time and most people won't notice the difference until it's too late. (Picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa)

Problems: No matter how great and destructive your problems may seem now, remember, you've probably only seen the tip of them. (Picture of an iceberg)

I bought the mug (which said something about it being half empty on the outside), I bought the calendar, I signed up for the email newsletter (The Wailing List). I never admitted to being pessimistic, though. I called myself realistic. Never expected anything good out of anyone so I would never be disappointed.

Then somewhere along the way something changed in me. I stopped going out to the website as much. I unsubscribed from The Wailing List. I got rid of the calendar that I'd been saving, planning to frame one or two of my favorites. I got rid of it all except that one page that had first caught my eye.

Despair.

I left it up in my cube at work for a long time. Until one day that too had to come down and be put away. I forgot all about it until last week.

I have what I call a tower at one end of my cube, which is basically a four foot high file drawer on wheels with shelves inside. The other day I was coming back to my desk and I saw a piece of paper underneath it so I pulled it out. And there was Despair, crumpled, dusty and covered with wheel marks. Despair was ruined.

I started laughing because it was a visual for me of what has happened in my life. Despair is ruined for me. I am now filled with hope and joy. Jesus has begun to restore my life to what it should have been.

Once in a while I still go to Despair.com. I still find their products entertaining. But I don't identify myself with that way of thinking anymore. And I couldn't be happier about it.