My sweet sister-in-law always impressed me with her relaxed ability to go with the flow and to accept what came. If a child spilled milk all over, she cleaned it up with a "Well, he's got to learn. It's all part of it." When her husband's career moved them to a different city every few years, she knew it was necessary training for the certification he needed. It was all part of it. It became a fun line in our home whenever something would go wrong. "You know what Anna Kay would say, 'it's all part of it'!"
Through the years I began to see that there is great wisdom in that little philosophy. We fight getting older and the changes it brings to our body. But if we're going to live--it's all part of it. Change in all areas of life is just part of it. God made each of different. Because of that we will not always agree, and we have to work out those differences. It's all part of it. John 10:10 describes Satan as a thief who "comes only to steal and kill and destroy", and because of him we will experience pain and suffering at times. This, too, is part of life. As a parent of two teenagers, I wonder why I am still surprised at the tough decisions that have to be made and the frustration level it brings sometimes. But guess what? It's all part of it!
But how wonderful it is to know the Lord! Nehemiah 8:10 tells us the joy of the Lord is our strength. He is there to help us each day with whatever comes our way. Oswald Chambers says a Christian "doesn't know the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation but because of it." He is more than sufficient for all our needs. He loves us more than we can comprehend. Greater is He Who is in us than he who is in the world! (I John 4:4)
So whatever kind of day you are having--take heart. It's all part of it. But God is there to take "hold of your right hand" and say to you, "Do not fear. I will help you."
Becky
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My Utmost For His Highest, by Oswald Chambers, March 7, Barbour and Co.