Hard Days

A hard day feels like the worst day. Often, a hard day does not stand alone. It reaches over and grabs the days next to it. Sometimes it even turns into a hard season.

Looking back at those days can be so good. So powerful. We remember to be thankful. We remember that God was with us the whole time. He never, not once, left us alone.

You know that old saying “A picture says a thousand words.” This one truly does.

When I look at those faces I see a story. I see what led us to that moment. Not just that morning. Although I remember it exactly. I see the years that led up to it. I see what led to one little boy’s damaged heart.

When I look at myself in that photo I see weariness. I was so tired. I had absolutely no idea what to do about this vicious cycle of rages and coming down from rages. I was just beginning to identify some of the triggers but there were just so many. And they were often unavoidable.

In the Lord’s goodness, I had hope. I knew that He would give us wisdom. Moment by moment. I learned that post-rage was often the best time for connection. There was a vulnerability in both of us that allowed for it deeply.

When I look at that photo I am reminded that there is always hope. Always. When the circumstances seem impossible, they never are. Because our God is so big, so strong and so mighty. There is nothing our God cannot do.

And He tells us what to do…. To press on. To seek wisdom. To love big. To give more than we receive. To be kind. To consider one another as more important than ourselves. To keep no record of wrongs….. And as you know, the list goes on an on.

He will always do His part. And He calls us to do our part.

You might be wondering why I happened to have a professional photographer in my backyard in the early morning hours. You might be wondering how such a vulnerable moment could be captured. Well, that’s something else I remember when I look at that photo. Godly friendships.

What a blessing it is to have friends that see you, that want to see you, in all the ways. They see you when you look and feel your best. They see you when you look and feel your worst. And they love you just the same.

When I look at that photo, at those faces, at those hands holding, I remember to be thankful for the hard days.

P.S. – Thank you sweet Carrie for sending me that photo out of the clear blue sky. It was so timely. I wanted to share a photo of you but of course you are ALWAYS behind the camera. We will have to remedy that! But, here is me hugging Lizzy to death!