Glory in Tribulation

 I have heard of a young woman who got in a car accident a year or two ago and lost her legs.  She has been such a great example of one who has used her trial to bless others.  Her attitude is amazing.  Also, I have a dear friend who lost her husband recently.  She is definitely mourning, but shows up to events and smiles and talks.  She lifts me, when she is going through a huge loss.  As I watched Diana deal with her infertility, she was always loving other's children and not becoming bitter.  The joy that has come to her (and me too) through Hazel's arrival is all the sweeter because of her calmness in her infertility.  My neighbor is such a faithful woman.  Her testimony is so solid.  But she has gone through a divorce, then nursed her ex-husband as he died, raised her sons (some very difficult), has helped raise her grandsons, had a son die, and I am sure countless other trials.  She is always smiling, serving, bearing testimony, and loving.  I know she is one of the best examples in my life.  Both my dad and Dave's dad have lost their wives and are in their mid 90s.  That isn't an easy task.  I have loved serving both of them as best I can.  I appreciate their enduring to the end.  And I love the fun times we have together.  I hope that Ben knows that I can see he has had quite a few trials in his life.  He is trying to get to a good place.  I read that we get up the stairs one at a time.  He is giving that principle a try!  And I hope I am supporting him well.

I know that I feel a lovely sense of peace as a gift from God.  How could I ever be doubtful or angry or not even fully overjoyed by all I have been given, and the opportunities I have.  I need to repent and correct my pathways daily, but I am SO grateful that I CAN!  I am grateful for this life and all it has offered me.  The trials of surgeries, losses, disappointments, roadblocks, hurtful events, etc. have actually allowed me to forgive, pick myself up, heal, learn, and glory in those tribulations.  I hope I can continue to keep this outlook as I know there are many more trials ahead in life.  I don't seek them, and in fact, I do things to try to avoid as many as I can.  BUT it is not right that I have none.  I cannot learn and grow without them.  I hope I use my agency to deal with them in a pleasing manner to the Lord.