Thankful Heart

What is your story? 

I’ve been thinking a lot about stories, our stories and how they shape us, how your stories shape me and vise versa. 

My story. I’m still writing it. However, recently I feel like it’s been kind of lame. I got into a car accident, I’m not dating anyone, I don’t love my classes, work is difficult and my sister almost lost her eye last week. So yeah. It hasn’t been the most wonderful chapter. However, it’s got me interested in everyone else’s stories. 

I’ve met a lot of people who are going through some of the hardest times of their life; breakups, divorce, death, disease.  Hearing there stories, I get angry with myself that I’m upset over a broken car and they are losing some of the most important relationships in their lives.

I don’t want to discredit my struggles. Just because things aren’t as bad, doesn’t mean they aren’t bad. I feel like every time I face a new struggle it somehow seems more unbearable than before. I get confused with that because I thought hard times were supposed to prepare me. However, I’ve gained some perspective in hearing everyone’s story and that is; it doesn’t ever get any easier,

BUT

we still survive. 

You survived the breakup, you got through your parents divorce, you lost someone dear to you but you are still here to love and cherish. That is worth something. Your pain is worth something. 

Perhaps the pain isn’t to prepare us for what’s coming but, rather, to prepare someone else. All we’re here for is to love other people and if we experience a little pain of our own, maybe it could teach us how to love others better in their pain during their story. I’d never give up the pain if it mean someone else could heal. YOU are worth MY pain. 

Not to mention, seasons are fleeting and there is always a new one around the corner. However, the blessing is now. I think we forget that amidst pain. We forget that every part of the story is important. How could you have an ending if you don’t have a beginning? So, this Thanksgiving I’ve taken some time to reflect and I’ve realized, I’m just in one of those chapters that you have to have in order to connect the two action packed exciting parts. I recognize that today could’ve gone a lot differently. I don’t know that I should be alive after that car wreck. The way that everything strung together so that I walked away completely fine is a miracle. I’m not sure we should be spending this holiday at the pool, but maybe in the emergency room tending to my sister who could’ve gone blind. Even my brother was supposed to be in basic training, but because he went tow months early we can all be together. No, this chapter is not the best but it is blessed. I’m excited for the seasons to come, but I’m not promised tomorrow and I don’t want to waste this blessing or this pain because it is all good. 

 So, don’t skip this chapter to get to the good part. This is the good part. Your heart, how it’s changing and influences other hearts is the good part! Look for the blessing and you will find it, no matter how much pain you seem to be facing;

and… 

thank you for sharing.