Fast forward a few years, and the reality turned out to be a lot different than it looked. My life is always planned out, I have very little free time, I can't eat sugary cereal any time of the day without getting a headache, and it turns out that middle aged people have a lot of little aches and pains, both physically and mentally, that keep you down.
Who knew it would be so complicated?
Sometimes we get bogged down in the negative chaff of life. There is nothing terribly wrong, nothing that cannot be overcome. But the relentless nature of life wears you down. Little things go wrong, and they pile up until they become a constant drip, drip, drip, grinding your joy away like water washing against the sand.
I try to end each day by thinking of at least one positive thing that has happened that day. Sometimes it is a challenge, but most days, there are little bits and pieces that all add up to a lot of joy and peace and comfort.
In one of my favorite Bible verses, Isaiah 40:31, we are told:
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
What a blessing, to know that we will always be renewed. If I am sick, I will eventually get well. If I am down, I will eventually be up. If I am tired, someday I will no longer be weary. If I am burdened, I will have peace. God is always there for me. That is his personal promise, to me, and to each person. How can you fail to have hope in the face of that wonderful gift?
Today I am grateful for the small bits and pieces of life that lead to renewal. They may not be remarkable to anyone but me, but they are still a part of the life God has blessed me with.
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