Life has a funny way of reminding us of our past and the mistakes that we've made, but you know what, those mistakes we made in the past have all played a role in making us into the people we are today. I'm the same person I was yesterday, I may be a little wiser today then yesterday, but I am still me. Tomorrow I may be wiser than today, but I will still be me.
I want you to understand what I mean when I say this, I'm not saying its great to make mistakes, what I am saying is it is so important that we take those mistakes and learn from them. Let them teach us and then go on with life. Life is far to short to live in the past.
I was talking with my dad the other day and he reminded me of what I told him the day after I found out I had cancer. It was early in the morning and the rest of our family was getting ready for the day (we where on a family trip when we got the call), I had went into the little living area of the hotel we where staying at and sat down waiting. Dad came over to me and asked, "Are you okay? You haven't said much since yesterday." At first I didn't respond I just glanced up at him with a faint smile. After a few minutes he sat down and put his arm around my shoulders, I looked up at him for a few more minutes before I spoke. Looking back toward the window to my left I told him, I'm a little scared, but I know this is just a chapter of my story and wherever it leads I'll be okay.
A lot has changed in the three years since I said those words. Not only has the world been faced with a pandemic like nothing we have ever seen, but all of our lives have been turned upside down and then turned around again. Through all of it though I have learned so much about myself and my worth.
In all honesty, even though the last few years have been really hard they have also been beautiful. There has been growth and healing and for that I am thankful. If there was a piece of advise I could give any of you walking through a challenging season right now- look for the beauty within the chaos.
Life is hard and its very messy, but it is also so beautiful. Throughout all of my life I have seen the goodness of God again and again. He has been faithful even when it felt like the world was tearing me apart He was still there and He was faithful. He walked with me through the fire and He held my hand through the waves. I found my worth and began to finally understand who I really am.
You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. - Psalm 139:5
Your challenge this week is to look for the beauty in every season. Life is hard, but you can get through this. Take a deep breath and remember you are loved and you are always enough. I once heard it said to understand the world - read. To understand yourself - write. Take some time to ponder these words and really let them sink in.
You have a God-given uniqueness!
- Alianna C.