Making Peace with Pain …and moving forward

Precious ones. 

We cannot park in this world without being punched by pain.

Physical or emotional pain is part of passing through this imperfect place. 

But, guess what? 

So is joy in the journey.

The big question is:

Can we make peace with pain and still experience joy in the journey?

My answer is: YUP. 

-Sounds stupidly simple, doesn’t it? 

Sorry…your writer is simple minded. 

I’m not being flippant or insensitive. I know in many ways I’m clueless to the depth of deep, cutting life pains, physical woes and emotional loss. 

Like everyone else,  I’m just over here talking to God and clamoring for answers. 

In quiet, subtle ways, God is giving me some pointers.  I have to be patient and quiet to discover them, though.   (For those of you who know me, I find this pretty hard.)

Here are some pain pointers I’ve picked up.   -Consider these tips from this unprofessional human down here mucking around trying to find my way in my winter world. 

God has often parked me in the midst of pain for a purpose. 

When I was a fresh-faced college graduate at 22, God made me the director of a cancer support group.  He planted me with people in pain. There I was: stupid, uninformed, but willing to learn. 

Cancer patients taught me how pain could have purpose.

I listened to their life lessons:

__Appreciate each moment.

__Focus on blessings, not sorrow

__Let go of bitterness

__Don’t try to understand – just overcome

__Spread love

__Forgive

__Plan for death

__Walk with God

__Embrace hope

__Splash joy

__Create a legacy 

I’m 66.  Pain has plunged into my life in new ways.  I’m still seeking pain’s purpose, God’s plan and ways I can make peace with this entire process.

If you’re struggling, precious one:

__I pray you look for purpose in your pain.

  __I pray you plant yourself in the arms of a comforting Savior.

__I pray you absorb the joy of the security of the Savior

__I pray you splash the comforting joy of Jesus on others. 

In the long run, I pray you can make peace with pain.  

In spite of painful places in life, go ahead and embrace hope for better times, then understand…these are better times.

  This is all tied to God’s  promise:

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid or terrified because of them,

the Lord your God goes with you;

He will never leave you or forsake you.”

• — Deuteronomy 31:6

As you make peace with your pain, please share the lessons you learn.  I sure could use more pointers. 

Let’s trudge this painful journey with joy… Let’s share our love and lessons with others.

That will be our legacy. 

“I have told you these things that in Me you may have peace. 

In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.

_John 16:33