Joy

I'm getting ready to take a short trip to see my grandson. As simple as the trip is, it is no simple thing for me to get ready, get out the door, and onto the plane. I've had to make a trip to my doctor (twice actually), make sure I have all my meds, work out the plans on who will take me to the airport and who will pick me up (taking into account I really can't walk too far), and weed out of my social calendar - for the week prior to going - things that weren't absolutely necessary that might tire me out too much. These are just a few of the preparations that had to be made. On some small level they are the trials that must be endured and worked through. I'm aware that other people are having to do a lot of things for me and I'm so very grateful - but it is humbling which is also a trial!
The Bible says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials...."
Why? Because it produces endurance which in turn leads to maturity and completeness. I need all of the refining tools that God offers to carve out the enduring and needed character that will get me through this world. I want the steel backbone of faith and the never ending love that reveals Jesus to the world around me. And so instead of being tempted to complain, I rejoice that each day - every moment I am being transformed into who I am meant to be. I want to be ready for such a time as this day and every day that I am on this earth. Thank you, Jesus!