Smiling at the Future

I'm really thankful for this season of my life. I have a stable job, a faithful body & community, a loving family back home, and an amazing husband and best friend. In my habit of complaining it's so easy to overlook these gifts, but I'm slowly realizing that God has given abundatly in this season of my life and my heart is filled with gratitude.

I know that seasons are meant to change throughout our lives and I don't want to forget that God remains faithful through them all. I follow a few of blogs by Christian women who write about their valleys in their own season of life. They have physical illnesses or their children are terminally ill. The hospital is not an uncommon place for them and they've cried so much and have no tears left to shed. Despite their unwanted circumstances, these women are unwavering in their faith and are not afraid to honestly voice their struggles. They ask for prayer for beautiful things which are a reflection of their heart's desires. They don't welcome pity because they joyfully accept their lot as they believe in a good God who is in control. Their faith is inspiring, strong, and so beautiful.

Suffering, to the extent that some suffer, is still a stranger to me, but I know that it will soon come knocking on my door. And when God allows it, I want to be like these older women who are strong in their character and faith. For now, I smile and give thanks to God for this season of life and hope that I can smile at the future seasons to come.