This Too Shall Pass

When in the midst of an extremely painful circumstance, life event, or challenge, seeing the "light at the end of the tunnel" may seem or even be impossible for a period of time! Even when you've felt a similar discomfort (and survived it) before, being able to remind yourself that the pain or trial is fleeting or momentary in the "big picture" may not bring as much comfort as one might hope whilst standing in the darkness.

Because, for the time, it doesn't change that you can't actually see very well... right now! I don't know what it feels like to be blind in the literal sense. However, I've had to feel my way around in the dark a time or two, and I can relate to the uncertainty and fear that can so easily ensnare you when your senses are impaired and there isn't light to illuminate your path.

There is a comedian I listened to in my youth that I remember saying, "If you're having the worst time of your life, don't worry... It will pass. And likewise, if you're having the best time of your life, don't worry, it too shall pass!!!!" Now this may have just been said for humor, but there really is a lot of truth in it.

The seasons naturally transition between summer, fall, winter and spring whether we're happy or sad, prepared or not. I'm not saying we don't have any control, but, more so, pointing out that when we feel as if we don't have much control, there's a good chance the season will transition soon, the dynamic will change, or the circumstances shift in a way that allow you to get more firm footed.

There is really no gaurantee the next season won't be hard, but it will be different. I remember my OB doctor telling me as I neared the end of my difficult final pregnancy that even though having a newborn comes with its own set of challenges, he could tell I was ready for things to be hard for different reasons. This didn't really provide a lot of reassurance or comfort to me in the moment, as very little did at the time. However, his words were true and they apply in many seasons of life. Whether it's taking a promotion, stepping down from a job you thought you'd love but didn't, or welcoming a beautiful new baby into your home, accompanied by seemingly endless nights of limited sleep, the change may still be hard, but will require different muscles to be exercised- giving relief to the others that feel overworked.

The other beautiful (and usually painful) truth is that you have the ability to learn from each season. And more often than not, the dark, troubling times provide some of the biggest opportunities for growth. This concept, yet again, aids you down the road the next time a storm appears on the horizon. You find yourself with tools to navigate the choppy water that prevent some of the same damage from occuring again. If you can't avoid the rough water altogether, you may have time to "pre-medicate" to minimize the negative effects. Better yet, once you've weathered the storm, you have stories to share that may help others in their next endeavor as well. Those who have wisdom, gain it from experience and the experience of others. Perhaps sharing what you've gleaned from your journey will aid someone else as they pass into or out of their next season, challenging or triumphant!