The Comfortable Mediocrity of Depression
Depression and mediocrity are like a comfortable old recliner. The hardware is barely functional. The upholstery is worn, tattered, stained, and ripped. The padding is conformed to your body except for that pronounced bar across the lower back and a few lumps with gaps. The whole thing is an eyesore, and it stinks a bit.
However, it is like an old friend. It is always there
for you whenever you're ready to settle into it. You can stay as long as you
like. You know what to expect, as there is no learning curve. It will cause
aches and pains after a while, but you're used to that. The learning
curve/break-in period on a new chair could take months or years.
It is easy to become comfortable in the mediocrity of
Depression. But we find it comfortable because we are deceived by the enemy of
both God and mankind.
God wants His children to live vibrant and exciting
lives filled with a lively two-way relationship with Him. When we accept the
comfortable mediocrity of Depression, it's like we are very slowly sinking in
quicksand. Instead of calling out for help, we contentedly observe, "Oh,
isn't the water nice and warm!"
Jesus (and His doctors) stand at the edge on solid
ground offering a saving hand of help. We must not surrender to the
mind-numbing comfort of that mediocrity of Depression. There is a wonderfully
better life to be had when we reach out to receive the outstretched hand of
help.
Yes, depression and its cohort, mediocrity are familiar
old friends. I knew them very well. But there is a seriously better life
waiting out there beyond the learning curve/break-in period. There are
professionals, friends and the Son who would love to help you get there; and I
KNOW it's worth it!
Don’t settle for that stale old mediocre, but comfortable
down any longer. Let someone help you step by step, up and out to an exciting
new life where pleasant new things and interesting new times await you. I am so
thankful that I did. I feel confident that you will as well.
- Paul Granger, December 2020