cultivating an unhurried life, stewarding God's gifts and grace
My standards are not too high. My expectations are not unrealistic. I’m not going to apologize for them anymore, to myself or anyone else, explicitly or implicitly. I’m not going to let myself participate in the pity-parties my mind may try to host, and I’m no longer going to act as if my participation in my relationships, or lack thereof, is out of my control.
What is the purpose for our pain? We often wonder this when going through trial or difficulty. Sometimes it’s hard to determine when we’re in the midst of a hard season. But, when we can look into the stories of other individuals who’ve suffered and endured, it becomes easier to understand the function of affliction- oftentimes it is for our own correction, sanctification, and growth. If we pay closer attention though, it is also often an opportunity for others to experience a necessary change of heart. A good example of this is found in the book of Daniel, within the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.