Challenge or Blessing? You Decide

“What is your favorite part of this weekend?” My cousin asked as she leaned across the table with a smile. 

“Having everyone under the same roof,” I said confidently. It had been a year since we had all been together. 

“What is the hardest part of the weekend?” she said as her smile turned to more of a smirk. 

“Having everyone under the same roof,” I responded quickly. 

We both laughed knowingly. 

Sometimes our biggest blessings might also be challenges.

Sometimes the ones we love the most can be the hardest to love.

Sometimes even our personality strengths when left unchecked can be weaknesses. I could keep going, but I think you get the point.

We talk about intentionally focusing on the good here at LIFEstory, but remember good doesn’t always mean easy. Someone else looking at the same thing might only see the difficulties, but we have a choice to see things through an eternal lens, one that reflects God’s vision for the world around us. So when you’re juggling this thing we call life, remember sometimes the hardest things might also be your greatest blessings and exactly what you were created for in this season. 

I encourage you to stay committed to living thankfully in the moment, whether sorrow-filled or full of happiness. Yes, life is risky. Whatever you do to guard against risk will prevent you from experiencing joy in its fullness. You may not want the suffering, but by being open to risk, you open yourself to joy. 

Letters from the Mountain by Ben Palpant, p. 154