Is it just me or were the chapters for today a bit heavy? Okay, a lot heavy. Miller talked about conflict and pain and thoughts of suicide and understanding that our life stories are not about us. Yikes. Heady stuff. And yet so true; so important for us to understand even if the knowledge comes at a high cost.
These chapters are timely for me today. I found out this afternoon that one of my best friends is about to embark on a life-changing crossing. I wept for her this afternoon. I felt hurt and cheated and asked God why, and then I got good and angry. The sort of angry that's helpful--the sort that screams, "You're gonna kick this thing, and I'll be by your side the whole way." I clung to Miller's words in chapter 27: "There is no conflict man (woman) can endure that will not produce a blessing." We will wring a blessing out of this trial if we need to wrestle it from God like Jacob beneath the tree.
And I'm afraid that's all I've got for you today. I'm a bit raw. But I'd love to hear any words of encouragement you have. How do you find joy and blessing in trials? Or do you think that sort of understanding can only come after you've crossed to the other side?
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Sorry Niki, to hear about your friend. Some days the world just seems full of sadness and struggle.
ReplyDeleteI'm writing from Thailand. Mike's in hospital here. I've written about it on the blog if you want the full update, but it's interesting syncronicity in today's Miller topic. It hasn't been the best of weeks, but as I wrote about today in my update (http://lisamckaywriting.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/greetings-from-bangkok/) I've been overwhelmed with gratitude for how we've been blessed in the middle of it all. I doubt every medical emergency will produce this sort of response in me, but this one has.
Hugs,
lis
I will say a prayer for your friend--sorry to hear they are going through tough times. I like the quotes you provided from this chapter. I'm a huge believer in the fact that nothing hinders God, and we will be eternally better than we were before because of Him. I don't like to wallow in thinking that I can't get through something--I have God on my side. Which is all I need.
ReplyDelete~Brandi