#7

Pain can be a good thing. Physical, emotional, relational…all types of pain.

I think You've been trying to give me this lens to see through for a while now.

If I'm honest, it's something I'm not so comfortable grasping. Admitting pain can be a good thing feels like an invitation for life to throw more unexpected and unwanted circumstances my way.

That is the last thing I want.

But, at the very least, I can say there are things pain has taught me and ways it has grown me that I didn't think possible or even realize I needed to learn.

For instance, pain has influenced my intentionality. It's pushed me to identify what's really important in life. At times, pain skewed my priorities, but it also gave me the space needed to get them back on track.

Pain has made me more empathetic and apt to connect with others – especially other pain survivors. Our experiences can be vastly different, but the feelings and emotions left in the wake of painful circumstances can bond us in ways we never would have wished for, but we are thankful for all the same.

Pain has forced me to face the very limited amount of control I have over what happens in this life and puts me squarely in the place of trusting You to be in control instead.

Pain has isolated me enough to force an evaluation of who should and shouldn't be in my life. It's also taught me there are varying stages in relationships, and each relationship I have is different.

Pain has tempted me to be more comparison-focused, but it has also allowed me to turn those temptations into genuine moments of encouragement and compassion from a heart of understanding.

Pain has taught me to focus on what I can do instead of what I cannot. There's someone I can show kindness to, someone I can pray for, someone I can reach out to – it's simple yet valuable. Simplicity is the paintbrush with which I can add beauty to each ordinary day.  

Pain has given me a new lens through which to see the world and those around me. It's given me a new lens through which to see myself.

Pain has pushed me closer to You, pulled me away, pushed me a smidge closer, pulled me away, and then pushed me a bit closer again. And even when not equal parts push and pull, the push always feels like coming home.

Pain has caused my relationship with You to deepen in a way I never thought possible. It's shown me that relationship with You is complex yet simple. Wildly unpredictable, yet more stable than anything in this world.

Pain has isolated me from everyone around me at times. Still, it's given me insight into Your pain – what You sacrificed – on my behalf.

Pain has made me feel like I'm in hell but also made it possible to feel like I'm a breath away from touching heaven.

Without pain in this life, there's a lot I never would have learned. There are pieces of me that may never have come to be.

I'm not grateful for the pain I've experienced, but I can confidently say that good has come out of it.

I think that's the lens You've been working to adjust my eyes to: what good can come out of it?

Pain by itself isn't a good thing. But for one held in the palm of Your hand, good certainly can and will come out of pain.

Song of the Day: The Goodness by Tobymac feat. Blessing Offor