I’ve heard…A woman forgets the pain of childbirth after the child arrives because she’s consumed by joy. 

You, like me, may not have been pregnant to know for sure, but it’s the same in hard seasons. They SUCK when actively experiencing scenarios that make up the dark season as a whole. On the other side, though, we see our progress when looking back. We are now able to see why things had to change. We see the good that has come, and perhaps why the darkness had to be there in the first place. AND, perhaps most importantly, we recognize the purpose Our Father had in bringing us to it, through it, and then loving us so much, bringing us back to thriving.

If you’re struggling right now, know He’s working on your vision. He’s drawing you close, ensuring you’re aware of your identity and purposes in Him. 

You’re okay. When this is over, the pain that feels all consuming today will shift to gratitude as seasons change.  You will see His purposes….and they will be your purposes now, too.

I’m not out yet. But I can truly say now: Thank you, Father. That really sucked and parts of it aren’t over yet. But I KNOW you. I SEE you. I LOVE you. I see that you’ve always known me. You’ve always seen me. You’ve ALWAYS loved me, despite my inability to love myself sometimes. And I’m SO grateful you allowed a bit of darkness to show me how bright we are.

Beauty from ashes. Truly.

Amen.

(3/17/24)