In 2016, I heard a sermon series that challenged us to be more honest with our emotions. As Christians, sometimes it can seem more holy to present ourselves as happy and put together when really, some days we are angry, sad, or pretty close to falling apart. I realized through that sermon series that in an effort to be positive and maintain a joyful heart, I was actually lying to myself and others about how I was actually doing on a heart level. Now, it’s probably not appropriate to answer every: “How are you?” with an answer that mirrors a paragraph from your journal, but I have learned that there IS a way to be more honest with how I respond to others on a day to day basis. This blog is one attempt to live out a more authentic life in hopes that my words might encourage others to find the same freedom.
I say all that as background to say that today it’s hard to be cheerful and patient because I am sick, and I was ALREADY battling health issues since November and was JUST on the mends to return to work. So, this cold isn’t the same setback as it might be to others; it means I was already down and struggling to have energy to make it through a half work day. Now, I have added the fatigue of a cold to Adrenal Fatigue, and I am not thrilled with this. I love my job and I miss working. I am hopeful that my rest, fluids, medicine, and God’s divine intervention will be enough to grant me the health I need to head back to work tomorrow.
If not, I will press in further and ask God to please give me the grace I need to still be patient and loving and considerate of others, even though I feel like being negative, complaining, and focused on my own problems! I am asking Him what I can learn from the lovely James 1:2-4 today…how I am to consider today “pure joy” as I encounter another health trial. Well, even though I missed being at St. John’s this morning, missed the New Member Class, missed reconnecting with all of the lovely people I’ve missed for 2 months…I did get to be home and be available to text a friend a few encouraging words/prayers, I am getting to rest all afternoon and write this blog- which someday might be a part of a book to encourage others, and I might even get a special delivery of dinner from a special person if he wants to brave my germs briefly!
I am learning that considering it “pure joy” when trials come doesn’t mean to smile and pretend to be happy, but instead, it’s about learning to have gratitude along the way, finding the blessings in disguise, and maintaining perspective that God really is in control and this trial that seems like a huge burden is really pretty small in light of eternity.
If you’re walking through a trial today, I pray that God unveils a new perspective on your situation, reveals the blessings in disguise, and provides some random act of kindness to help lighten the burden of the day. Finding joy along the journey isn’t always easy, especially for those of us who struggle with impatience, but I am learning that it is always possible. And it doesn’t mean we’re necessarily smiling. It just means we’re seeking to see the silver lining and choosing to delight in the process instead of complain.:)
GratefulOne 