the beauty we can't always see

For anyone needing a word of encouragement right now, this is for you. Life is hard for everyone for a multitude of reasons. Coronavirus, natural disasters, wars and rumors of wars. Families being separated. Selfishness and addictions. Love grown cold. The epidemic of loneliness. Division and chaos running rampant. New laws and mandates. It is all confusing, especially when we've grown up in a world that says if we work hard enough we can do ANYTHING. And then we grow up and recognize that's not true. And the children, ugh. As someone who never had a motherly bone in my body, the fact that the degradation of the world's children bothers me so very much is a surprise to me. But I find myself caring about these innocent souls so much. And the abused children and those that have been scorned by the church in the past. I hurt for all of you. 

I was reading in 1 Samuel this morning and I thought of how Hannah must have felt after she prayed and prayed for a baby, and promised the Lord that if she gets pregnant she will let her child serve in the temple as soon as he is weaned. I imagined what it must have felt like after that third year when he was weaned. She goes to the temple for the yearly sacrifice, and leaves toddler Samuel there. How she must have felt, having had her dream come true, but then also keeping her promise as well. What faith Hannah must have had, to trust the Lord, because as a mother, I know I wouldn't want to let my child go, especially not at three years old. But she trusted in the Lord and had five more children. Obviously they did not replace Samuel, just like Job's new children didn't replace his old ones who died, but he did make it better for them. He allowed them to see beauty in their grief and pain. He allowed them to realize that the pains of this earth are only temporary. He let them see rebirth is possible.

Sometimes one door shuts so that another more amazing one will open.

It can be hard to recognize the beauty around us when there is so much negativity, but the Lord promises to guide us and help us through times of trial. This doesn't mean that we will be removed from every bad situation in our lives, but it does mean that our perspective will shift and we will realize what is truly important. In fact, Jesus flat out told us that this world will bring sorrow and woe, but that he has overcome the world, so at least we know we are fighting from a place of victory. And he promises he will never leave us. He knows that we can't do this on our own, and even gives us a new heart and mind. 

I will give you a new heart and a put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone, and will give you a heart of flesh. -Ezekiel 36:26

Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. -Romans 12:2

I think about when we visited parts of California that are prone to wildfires. You would see these areas totally scorched, but then new growth and wildflowers would be popping through, and it was overwhelming to see the beauty despite the destruction. One day everything will make sense. Don't give up. The harder it gets, the more firm you need to plant your faith in Christ. Try to see the beauty in your life. It is there. I am often reminded of something very wise Owsley said when he was about seven. I was complaining about days of rain, and he said, "The sun is always there. You just can't always see it." It's always there. You just can't always see it. 

If you ever want to talk, I am here.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:18 

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. -John 16:33 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.- Philippians 4:6-7 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not learn on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5-6 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And He who was seated on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new. -Revelation 21:4