Adversity has taught me three things. One, life is hard. Two, life is short. Three, I have much to be grateful for.
I think it would be fair to say that I haven’t exactly had an easy life. Through chronic health struggles, unhealthy relationships, insecurities, and family trials, life has beaten me up in many ways. The enemy has zero compassion, so when one trial hits, he usually likes to dump three more on me. It’s left me at times wondering where I’m going to live, what I’m going to do, and how I’m going to get by.
But in each of those circumstances, I am reminded of how much God loves me. I’m not talking about the “Jesus loves me this I know” childlike love. I’m talking about the deep, intimate, marital kind of love. The love that no matter how hard life gets, I’ve got someone walking it with me, loving me unconditionally, and cheering me on.
I honestly don’t know if I’d be here today if I didn’t have Jesus in my life. He’s truly my rock and confidant. I love because of the love He gives me. I keep going by the strength He provides. I have life because of the breath He breathes into me each day. I have purpose because His word instructs me with the why, how, what, and where’s. In my hardest, darkest moments, He’s been there with me, helping me through.
Then there’s the family that He’s blessed me with. I haven’t always been pleasant to deal with. I haven’t always been gracious, forgiving, and loving. Yet, many have stuck with me and loved me regardless. We’ve all made mistakes, but by God’s grace and forgiveness, our relationships have been restored. I thank God and treasure each one of them. Because life is fleeting, I don’t know how much time I have with any of them. Each visit is a valuable gift. I admit that I’m horrible at keeping in touch most times, but they’re on my mind, in my prayers, and always deeply loved.
I’m so very thankful for the friends and mentors the Lord has gifted me with as well. Each person, in their God-given gifting, has led me closer to Christ in their special ways. They have each been a listening ear, prayer warrior, disciple-maker, travel buddy, adventure maker, and rebuker. So many of them have brought me meals when I’ve been sick. They’ve been a phone call when I’ve needed to vent and process. They’ve been a shoulder to cry on when my heart’s been broken. They’ve also been a joy-filled, lovable, laugh-until-you-cry kind of friend. Wherever I’ve lived or traveled, God’s always brought that special friend into my life that I still cherish, connect with, and love to this day.
I am also so very blessed and grateful for Michael. There have been countless nights that I’ve fallen asleep next to him, grateful for the man I was privileged to marry and journey through life with. Michael can make me laugh at the worst of times. He is my sound advice. I can trust him to be the head of our household because I know that he goes to God and Scripture when we need to make bigger decisions. He’s wise and thought-provoking. He’s tender and compassionate. He’s taught me how to live in and value the present times. He’s taught me the importance and joy of being more generous. He leads and guides us as Christ desires. He’s also very sacrificial, always helping and serving me with an obedient and gracious attitude.
I am grateful for each of you as well. I am thankful to the ones who have reached out. Thank you to you who have read and learned from what I’ve shared. Thank you to the readers who have allowed the truth of the Scriptures shared in the faith column to penetrate your hearts as you seek to grow in Jesus. Thank you to each of you who have laughed with me, cried with me, and journeyed together on this adventure called life. I thank God for each one of you and pray His blessings and comfort upon you all.
