The Joy of Perseverance

(You'll probably notice that I'm being vague in this post, and I want you to know that it's intentional.  The issues I'm dealing with aren't public at this time, but that doesn't mean I can't share what I'm learning through them.)

The past seven months have been difficult for me.  I've wanted to say that this struggle has been amazing, and that I see myself being refined in the fire--that I see the purpose in all of this.  But I have had no words.  I have wanted to share the joy of victories and triumph, but that hasn't been my story.

(c) Infrogmation on Wikimedia Commons

But what I do know is this:  the struggles in this life remind me that this world is not my home.

I can find joy in that.  You may say that I should be rejoicing in so many more things; I am so blessed!  But sometimes in the midst of a struggle, you feel like it's all you can do to keep one foot going in front of the other.  Perseverance.

And in the middle of all of my frustrations, doubts, and questions, I hear this:

"When completeness comes, what is in part disappears... for now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

1 Corinthians 13:10,12

This is the joy of perseverance.

Today, I'm staring in a foggy mirror and wondering why it has to be this way.  But it won't always be this way, and that's how I can find joy right here, right now.