Good morning, DearHeart.

A couple of weeks ago we all noticed Rush (our grandson) walking with a limp. The diagnosis turned out to be an infection in his hip which caused us some concern … how does a toddler get an infection in his hip, of all places? He is doing good now (thank You, Jesus!) but, of course we read tons of stories during the limp … medical stories, personal stories, you name it. Some stories of hope and others that shot fear through our over-protective veins.

People’s stories are fascinating to me. And, the fact that each one evolves, moving us individually, and as families, and as friends from one point of growth to the next, well, that is even more fascinating. Each story grows us and we encourage one another when we tell them. I don’t know about you, but I prefer stories that are heartwarming … feel good … full of love and laughter.

But, life is not always neat and tidy. It’s not always snow cones and cotton candy.

In between those seasons of joy are interwoven seasons that cause us to pause and examine the shadows and the shifts … struggles with families, with feelings …

Adversity.

Suffering.

Shame.

Pain.

Illness.

Loss.

Hardship.

Discomfort.

I’d prefer to avoid all of that … yet, Paul slides in with a curious perspective …

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18, NKJV)

Also, read this and love the way The Message describes it:

“That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.” Romans 8:18-21 MSG

To put it simply … this story, your story of today’s suffering tells a story of perseverance, of pressing through in spite of wanting to give up. It tells of courage when fear presses in. It tells of a grit and determination to succeed when the odds seem stacked a mile high against you.

There is value in your present story. Suffering is part of the narrative, because nothing grows, nothing gets built when everything is easy.

Our lives are the smaller story inside of His grand story, and our stories do matter. Our stories can magnify Him, illuminate His power and compassion at work in every minute.

Wake up.

What is your story at this minute?

Notice how our Savior is revealed in it.

The joyful anticipation deepens.

Go.