happy fmf day! this week’s word:
hmm. this is an odd word for this week. but here goes it…
blessings are not always easy.
They aren’t always welcome.
They don’t automatically look like a good thing when you first see them.
blessing is defined as, “God’s favor and protection;” i think for me I always see blessing as synonymous with happy, cheerful things, when in all honesty it could be something hard and tragic and not fun– but the blessing part is how God uses these things to show us how He loves and cares for us.
2 weeks ago I had to make a decision I didn’t want to make– a decision to end my internship early (for a lot of reasons, but self-care was the primary one). The next two after I made my choice, I sobbed both at home, at work, and in my therapist’s office because I regretted it. But once the initial emotions blew over, I realized that this choice was going to be a blessing for me. It might not look like it in the moment of hurt and sadness, but it WILL be a blessing.
Two weeks later, I’m not 100% there yet–the transition hasn’t been the easiest– but I know I’ll get there.
A blessing isn’t always pretty wrapped in a neat little box of goodness, but it’s never bad– it is always for my good, and for my care. And from a God who loves his kids enough to take care of them, no matter what it looks like.
This is after the time went off, but wanted to add a line from Lisa Harper’s recent she reads truth devotional: “How—despite our proclivity to make huge messes—He is so completely for us.”
that might be the biggest blessing of this whole Jesus thing, y’all. He’s for us, messes and all.
Yes! I can say without a doubt that my husband’s cancer blessed our lives. My daughter’s mental illness blessed our lives. Those hard times bless us–even if they don’t feel like much of a blessing at the time. Keep close to the One who blesses, and you’ll see that he is a kind Father who knows us infinately better than we know ourselves.
THIS: “A blessing isn’t always pretty wrapped in a neat little box of goodness, but it’s never bad– it is always for my good, and for my care. And from a God who loves his kids enough to take care of them, no matter what it looks like.” I’m in the 11 spot this week.
Jordan, you and I traveled similar tracks this week. You’re so right. I think we often expect blessings to be easy and pretty and fun. We don’t always look at the bigger picture, of what God considers blessings to be. I’m so glad you shared the definition of “Blessing.” God’s favor and protection. I love that
Beautiful post!
Jordan, this is such a wise and thoughtful post…and you’re so very, very right. Blessing are what will bring us closer to God, and they aren’t always fun.
So glad for the blessing. They are almost never wrapped up neatly for me either. Praying over your decision and for peace. I’m #13 this week. #fmf
The speed at which God can bring about changes in our lives in breathtaking. Thankfully, He is more than patient and gives us time to catch up with Him. I’m in that space of newness with you, wondering what will be next and how it will all work out. It’s great to know that He is our Good Father, who never leaves us to walk this path alone.
Great perspective! So true.
I quit an internship once. In retrospect it was the right decision (I think!) but all these decades later, there are still a few “what ifs” — so I hear you on that part!
Hey Jordan
I always love venturing over to your space. Mostly cause you share real life, the ups and downs, and aren’t afraid to be honest. I am thankful for you.
Man does this post resonate. There have been several massive lifechanging moments I have had in the past 10+ years that have left me saying “what if” at times but have been momemts where I needed to follow the light in the fog/darkness of that time.
I am proud of you for your decision. I am glad you saw that you were draining away and needed to leave the situation. I am glad that you are fighting to see His hand in this.
You are SO loved my friend