Constant refining
- Renee Diaz
- Dec 27, 2019
- 2 min read
As I close out the end of this year I have a lot to look back on. Some with fondness and much with a great deal of pain. It's been the hardest year of my life. And I'm still thankful because God is good.
A brief summary of this year breaks down as such: lots of no's except to milestone events, heavy feelings after the holidays of 2018, depression and anxiety, death, offense, tons of illness, surgery, ministry roles, therapy and eventual growth. I've read some books, listened to podcasts and stories, watched hours of comedy stand up to help with the insomnia and I've been reading scripture more. I've lead a discipleship, I've left a bible study, I joined a bible study, I began a bible study with a co-leader and I've begun digging deep into what God is setting up for my life. It's so much easier to just live with Him instead of go it alone. I have no idea how people go through the things our family has been through without Him and survived. I have such an understanding for women in hard seasons. These issues have really opened my eyes to women who struggle, to women who have small children, to women who have an empty nest and to women who are going through this life without a partner or kids. I have to say, being with women from all walks of life kind of makes the walk easier. I like listening to the stories and praying with women to comfort and just sit in the heavy with them. And boy, it makes the times of joy so much more joyous. When we can celebrate a milestone or steps towards growth, something as small as making the time to share when they may not have shared before, I am so grateful for the friendships.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
My friend Sarah said something about God and how He is always refining. I fogrot that part. I forgot about how he will keep refining us and we will always be growing until we hit eternity. It certainly takes the pressure off and helps me to realize I don't have to have it all together because I won't and I can't. It's just not attainable. But for this season of perpetual growth, it is all worth it and to be able to say, All the Glory to God.
Comments