Growing Pains

Growing pains are just that... painful. In the middle of them, it's hard to recognize that without the pain, there is no growth. In the middle of them, it's just plain hard!

Jenifer and Jayce

After taking our second daughter to college this past weekend, I realized our family is in a season of growing pains. The youngest is starting Jr. High (no way)... one is in high school ('nuff said)... one is just starting college (sniff)... and the oldest who is trying to make it on her own (sigh). And that's just the kids! As parents, we get to experience ALL of their growing pains as well as our own! 

I've never been an athlete, but since going through cancer and recovering from chemo, I have come to believe the motto "no pain, no gain." 

Without the pain of treatment, you can't have healing. 

Without the pain of exercise, you can't regain your strength. 

Without the pain of training, you can't run a 5K (yes, this non-athlete has completed three 5K runs... since cancer)!

But more importantly, without the pain of heartbreak, you can't experience the tender hand of God putting the pieces back together.

That's what I pray my kids will experience during their times of growing pains - the tender hand of God that...

• is mighty and majestic in power - Exodus 15:6; I Kings 8:42
• covers us - Exodus 33:22
• upholds us - Psalm 37:24; 63:8
• guides us - Psalm 139:10
• satisfies our desires - Psalm 145:16
• holds our right hand - Isaiah 41:13
• laid the foundation of the earth - Isaiah 48:13
• has us engraved on the palm - Isaiah 49:16
• keeps us secure - John 10:28

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
~ Isaiah 41:10 

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Joy in the Facts of Life

After my fourth visit to my family doctor for crazy things this summer, I was thinking about how much fun I've had in spite of the craziness and trips to the clinic. I'm sure my doctor just rolls her eyes when she sees my name on her schedule!

While it's almost a joke that I need a protective bubble, I'm thankful for the ability to be active. Last year after chemo, I kind of skipped the summer while trying to get my energy back. This year I'm getting out (which for me could be a risk all on its own) and enjoying life!

I've had the opportunity to marvel at God's awesome creation while riding a beautiful horse...
- even though I cracked two ribs while cinching the saddle.

I've been spending time with my husband, kids, and friends playing disc golf while enjoying the outdoors...
- even though I've had poison ivy...on my face...neck and arm, 9 tick bites, and a gajillion other bug bites.

I've been able to take the dog on walks and spend time praying and thinking...
- even though we got tripped up and I fell and fractured my wrist.

Although I'm not exactly sure how I ended up with shingles... on my face... I know I was enjoying my life!

My kids sometimes joke about "The Williams Curse" when things go wrong. I just tell them we're making memories! It may not always be easy, but it's always more fun to find joy in those crazy mishaps. Besides, if we could find joy in our cancer journey, then we can surely find joy in the little inconveniences of an active summer. After all, the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10b). Each day is the day the Lord has made, so let's rejoice (Psalm 118:24).

I'll gladly take the good and take the bad; I'll take them both, and there you have the facts of life (everyone sing...) - my blessed life!

Buddy feels bad about my wrist!

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
~ Habakkuk 3:18



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