“We're not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." ~C.S. Lewis
Isn't that the truth? Sometimes, as we look back on our best learning experiences, it seems that they are often our most painful experiences. Why is that? I suspect it's because growth is painful. The phrase 'growing pains' is an accurate one. It hurts to stretch, to do things that are hard, to slog our way through heartbreaking experiences. As we struggle, we can't see beyond the immediate hurt and pain. It's only once we have conquered the experience, done the learning, and gained strength that we can really understand why we had to learn that way.
Some of us seem to have to learn everything the hard way. One of the [few] benefits of being older is the opportunity to look back and have that 'aha' moment and realize why things needed to happen as they did. For me, it's nice to be able to understand that the end result, the growth, strength and learning, was worth the cost: the pain, heartache and frustration .
God does do the best for us; He always will. And His best isn't free and/or painless. We have to remember what it is that He is building.
And when He's finished, it will all be worth it.
6.05.2008
God's Best
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16 comments:
It will all be worth it, won't it?! If life were painless, we'd never enjoy the pleasures. I have to remind myself of that from time to time. Thanks jan:)
ugh....i so need to hear that right now. thanks so much for the words 'o wisdom....i really do appreciate them. i miss you. we need to email.
Thank you so much that quote. It was just what I needed to hear today.
Great advice, as always. Trials do hurt, but without them we'd never grow. I am thankful for hard times...just usually thankful after they are over!
I always find myself very grateful for the adversity I face (after the fact, of course!). Our substantial growth truly does come from struggling through stuff that is so hard.
And then, like you said, the good stuff is all the sweeter!
excellent quote! i always love your thoughts.
Jan, this is so so profound. I love this quote. It almost makes me wish I knew how MUCH pain to expect, I know it won't be more than I can bear, but I just want to know! I hate the unexpected, especially if its negative. When is it going to be over already? :-s
Goodness Jan, you have just summed up the last 4 months of my life. I am certainly seeing the wisdom behind hard times. It's amazing when you stop to look around, the Lord's hand is in everything. He loves us so much.
i had never looked at the term "growing pains" that way before. it was like a light bulb just turned on, "ding!" :) thanks for your words today- i needed them!
You should write a book with all your spiritual blog posts (like this one) and sell it through Deseret Book...you'd make millions!
A agree that growing pains is an apt description of what we go through in this life. Thanks for your thoughts Jan they are wonderful.
ok, i'm back. i can't resist.
iamsheshe.blogspot.com
I love this Jan...Thanks
Someday I'd like to say I love that quote. For now, I'm going to say how true it is...and remember that in the end, He knows what He is doing. And I loved the link to your old post!
The truth for sure. Learning and growing can be the hardest thing at times!
Definitely something else I needed to hear as well! Thanks so much for your uplifting and perfect thoughts!
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