As I have been praying for various topics to be thankful, I have felt that God has been revealing to me the growth and healing that I have had through losses in my life.
I have not been spared the grief associated with unexpected loss. From my best friend being killed by a drunk driver shorty after our college graduation. A boyfriend who committed suicide. My grandmother dying well before her time. My sweet cat of 17 years last passing this past Christmas. My multiple miscarriages and struggles with infertility. The impending loss of my mother, from cancer. Those are just the big losses.
What about the little losses? Friendships that have gone sour or faded from distance. A church that was not what we expected. Work situations that are not ideal. Unexpected betrayals from someone I called a friend. I could go on and on.
There are zillions of moments that have shaped me and when I look back on each of them, I can thank God for bringing me to the fire and through the fire. Each loss has brought me closer to Him. Each one has paved a way for me to see the joy that comes in the morning. While I would not go out seeking these experiences (who would), I am grateful for the lessons and opportunities that loss has taught me.
Through loss I have become a better wife, mother, and friend. I have become a lover of Jesus. I am more compassionate, more generous, more loving. I have opportunities that I never expected. I have friendships that are deep and rare. I have a beautiful family, both by blood and by spirit.
It is so easy to and be grateful for the provisions we have been blessed with. It is more difficult to see the how our losses can turn into blessings. I pray for each of you this week that you are able to see the light during the troubled times. I pray that you are able to recognize where God is working in your life.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.
This is beautiful. I’m so sorry for all your loses, but so happy that God has brought you strength and healing.
Genesis 50:20 — Joseph: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” God so uses all these disappointments and slights… Hard to see in the moment, but so comforting.
So true, the scripture you shared is one of my favorite. Enjoying your thankful list.
Sue