Remember When

Suffering certainly brings perspective.

When we are going through tough times, there is clarity and focus as we harness our energy to survive and weather the storm.

In these difficult times, the sky seems bluer, the food tastes yummier, and everything seems so much more majestic as we understand the fragility and temporary state of things around us.

Moments like this cause us to prioritize what matters most and cling to the people we cherish. We are grateful for every beautiful thing that surrounds us.

Seasons of suffering remind us of what really matters.

Then, when things settle down and storms pass, we return to our normal hustle and bustle of life.

We stop noticing the beauty around us and begin to take our blessings for granted.

It's not until another storm builds that we find ourselves in awe and appreciation for our lives.

But I don't want it to take a storm for me to be filled with gratitude.

I want to remember what matters the most and be in awe and gratitude for everything in life that can go unnoticed and unappreciated.

Perhaps I will add a weekly task to my to-do list called "Remember When."

I will remember the times when loved ones passed away, how grateful I was to have the memories I could cling to, and how I would have given anything to turn back time to be together with them again.

I will remember dreaming of having a husband, children, and friends and family who love and support me. There was a time when those things seemed unattainable.

I will remember the moment when I was terrified and alone and how God came to my rescue time and time again.

I will remember when I was too scared to step up and out of relationships or habits that were not healthy for me. There was a time when I didn't believe I deserved goodness.

I will remember times when I didn't have a home with heat, air conditioning, and all the modern conveniences I used to only dream of.

I will remember when I didn't feel worthy of an amazing life.

I will remember the rays of light in the darkness that came through the support and kindness of others.

I will remember what God did to save me and how He never stopped fighting for me and those I love.

I will remember God's strength in my weakness.

When I remember all that, I am overcome with gratitude for this life I have now. With all the ups and downs, the good times and the bad.  

I think of others out there who are in the places I used to be, and I can only pray that God makes a clear path to them so I can help them see a way up and out.

And together, we will say:

Thank You, God, for this beautiful life you have given us.

And God, help us never to forget.

2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.