I’m reading a book entitled The Scent of Water: Grace for Every Kind of Broken by Naomi Zacharias. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Her writing style is conversational…as you read through the pages, you sense that she is telling her story, and in the telling of her story, she is finding healing for some deep hurts. As I’m reading it, I too am finding healing for some deep hurts that have scabbed over but not yet scarred.
When I was a kid, I never dreamed my life would be what it is today. Never in a million years. In many ways, I am severely disappointed. Even 10 years ago, I never would have dreamed that I’d be sitting her writing with tears running down my face, wishing for what was but what never really was.
That being said, in so many ways, my life is richer than I ever would have imagined. I have a few true friends who, when I’m in my 80’s, I’ll still call, text, email, fly in my Jetson’s car to see. I am a part of a church plant here in Philly that is going to change the face of this city. I have the most amazing niece and nephews in the world.
Through the tough times, the dark nights of the soul, there is always One that I can depend on. When I am finished having my temper tantrum, when I am through telling him how awful things are and how I didn’t sign up for this, He reminds me of those tender moments when, as He was revealing things to me during the good times, that He told me that this was not going to be easy. He shows me His nail pierced hands and His spear pierced side, and reminds me that when He was hanging on the cross, He knew it was His mission alone. No other could have taken on the cross. It was His choice to take that on…because He loves me, ME, enough to suffer so that I may enter into the gates of Heaven one day; he love YOU enough to suffer so that YOU may enter through the gates of heaven one day. If I so choose. If you so choose.
I’d take a life of difficulty over a life of simplicity any day. Why? Because I said yes when God asked me if I wanted this life. I said yes because I want my life to be used to help other lives. If I need more dross burned off, bring it on.
What’s going on in your neck of the woods? Let’s do this thing together.
Deneen White 