Learning from Life's Lessons - Little Mama of Faith

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I came across this photo last night and couldn’t help but reminisce and reflect. It’s given me some peace and encouragement through three specific ponderings, so I thought I’d share in the hopes of maybe encouraging you today, as well. I conceive three lessons to take away from my childhood experiences and apply to our current situation.

God knows the outcome. Most kids would not choose to go through the pain and confinement of surgeries, months of home instruction without their classmates, or being flat on their backs all summer while their peers are out playing. But without reconstructive surgeries on my ankles, knee, upper leg and hips as a child, teen and adult, I am absolutely certain I would not be walking unassisted today. God knew even before all my surgeries that I would get through them and come out stronger and healthier than ever, and able to share those experiences with others to maybe offer them a little hope as they go through similar situations.

Similarly, I am certain He already knows what’s going to happen with our COVID-19 situation. To be honest, I don’t think anyone besides God truly knows what’s best now (sheltering vs. re-opening). Neither solution is going to be one size fits all. So I will follow what I believe God is telling me but cease from debating the issue. (And the crowd went wild with shouts of acclamation. LOL) There are so many important issues at stake with either scenario. But God knows it all! He already sees how this is going to unwind. So I will continue to trust that He will see me through it. I see the light at the end of this tunnel. Whether I have to stay home longer or go out, He’s with me. Period.

Uncertainty is never easy to handle, at least not for me. I always say, “Tell me what’s coming, whether it’s good or bad, and I can prepare for it, but not knowing is SO HARD.” But I think we all know by now, that’s not how God works. He wants us to love and walk with Him even when (and perhaps especially when) we don’t know the outcome. When we feel least in control, that’s when we can best give our whole hearts and thoughts to Him.

Even life’s challenges bring praises. In the midst of my surgeries and being laid up for so long, I remember my life not being all gloom and doom…rather, far from it. I have an amazing mom who was right by my side every minute, a loving Dad who traveled to visit us at the hospital (and brought my siblings) whenever he could, siblings and cousins who found ways to include me and keep me company, and lots of prayers and support (via greeting cards and notes) from my school, church and community. I was truly blessed.

Let’s face it…This is a time of fear, anxiety and stress for so many people, for so many reasons. In fact, the list of prayers for our prayer group seems never-ending. But consider all the positive stories coming through all of this…drive-by birthday parties and baby showers, food pantries and other ministries popping up or going into over-drive to serve their communities, simple acts like people singing from their balconies simply to shine a little hope and joy for others… Doesn’t it give you goosebumps? It does me. God is still good, and there are ALWAYS so many things we can praise Him for.

*This too shall pass. Hospitals can be scary, and surgeries can be painful. (I still don’t like needles. LOL.) Some days I shivered and cried from the unbearable itch that came with the dry skin that comes along with wearing a spica cast for months at a time. Other days I was sad when my friends didn’t come to visit. But I got through it, and now it’s all a memory. In the moment, I may have felt like it would never end, but it did.

The media repeats day in and day out that the virus is only going to get worse and we will not get back to “normal” for months or maybe years. But guess what. Only God knows the true timing of all of this, and this too shall pass. Maybe not tomorrow, or next week, or next month. But it will pass. We can lean on Him to help us to thrive through it all, no matter how long that might be.

Please know I am not comparing my life’s challenges to yours or looking for sympathy. Everyone has challenges in life. Managing through them has the opportunity to make us stronger and draw us closer to God. Today, may we remember that God knows the outcome and will see us through, that there are praises to be found no matter what our situation, and that this pandemic (as with all other crises in America and around the world) will soon pass. Have faith, and have a wonderful day!

*Fun fact: I always thought “This too shall pass” was perhaps a quote from the Bible. It’s not. It’s a Persian adage known to the Western world primarily due to a Persian fable by English poet Edward FitzGerald but also included in a speech by Abraham Lincoln before he became a U.S. President. Nevertheless, the quote has still given me hope during challenging times.