It’s all too easy to put on a face and pretend everything is all right. I do it. I do it a lot, actually… somehow it’s just easier for me to internalize things and give off the impression that life is golden. But life rarely is… life is full of hardships, discouragements, let-downs, struggles, disappointments, and just-plain miserable days.

It’s October 31st – Halloween. Someone jokingly passed me this afternoon and said, “Hey, nice mask…” and then walked away snickering. I wasn’t wearing a mask and wasn’t dressed up in the slightest. I was kind of in a tired, stressed, and bad mood at the time… I let it frustrate me more than I should have. I’ve been thinking about that – and though it wasn’t meant in that way, I see the truth behind that statement all too clearly. I do wear a mask… more often than not.

Having said that, I’m taking the opportunity to be honest. I’m tired… and I’m discouraged. School work is coming at me fast-paced… the days are getting shorter and colder, and it’s increasingly harder to find the motivation to be disciplined and diligent. Pray for me with that, if you would. The last few weeks especially have been particularly discouraging, and I can’t understand exactly why… I’m not used to being in a continual state of feeling discouraged. I would ask for your prayers.