On my last day of treatment just over three years ago I wrote this in my journal…
“My time here has gone by way too fast. I’ve pondered many times what today would be like. What would be said at my transition ceremony, who would be there, what it would all feel like. But it’s funny, now that I’m here, I really don’t care much about that stuff. I’ve realized over the past 90 days that this process, this treatment, this season of change was really never about me. It was really about preparing me for what I can now do for others — that was the reason God brought me here all along….”
I have a feeling that sums up a few seasons of your life as well. Life comes in seasons my dad once told me. He said “Sometimes you just have to endure and other times you won’t want them to end.” What I’ve learned through my many seasons of life…
Divorce
Depression
Addiction
Heartbreak
Unemployment
…is that it’s never really about the season, but more the reason. Finding the reason behind the season is what it’s all about. The value, the lesson, the significance is so much more important than the pain the season is bringing.
When you find the reason for the season, you find the silver lining of hope you didn’t know existed. It’s that glimmer of understanding that settles on your soul and reminds you that you were never in control and that’s ok. God is our partner, just as He is our protector. He watches over us, keep us and also travels through the painful seasons along side us.
I believe He hurts when we hurt, cries when we cry and refuses to let any pain go by without providing a reason. A reason for every season.
It’s this hope that helps me carry on. I don’t pretend to live in a fairy tale world of perpetual happiness and bliss, but I do put my full trust in the fact that no matter what the season God walks with me.
He makes a way when there seems to be no way. He loves me when I am not lovable. He affords me the hope of knowing that every season has a reason.
So what’s the reason for the season you’re in? Are you finding the value in the pain? Can you rest in the promise that God is both partner and protector?
Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you.
For more about pain and hope, pick up my latest book here.
Hope is Alive!