Finding Joy in Our Struggles: Embracing Growth Through Challenges

In the world of today many limits are on us as individuals. Some limits are time, monetary, job schedules, resources, and we limit ourselves by binding our mind.

As I was walking this afternoon, I passed by our work shed and I noticed an older clay pot that once displayed beautiful flowers. This pot is worn, and it needed some repair as part of the top had broken away over winter. Its color has faded, and it looks very tattered. This year it didn't get new annuals to exhibit to the world. Forgotten? Yes, time has a way of turning our good intentions to never(s). There are twigs left from the prior year that might be past rejuvenation. However, the full of life weeds are what caught my eye. I didn't plant those seeds, yet that pot held those seeds and displayed the beauty of the weeds as if they were the most beautiful flowers with blooms.

Those weeds full of life prompted many questions in my mind!

Why can't we see beauty in the simple? Why do we think everything has to be perfect? Why do our hearts that once thrived now struggle? Why do we feel lonely even amid company? Why do we feel time constrained? Why do we lack joy even doing joyful things? Why do we compare ourselves with others? Why are we searching but never content? Why do we covet increasingly more instead of less? All these things I ask myself because that old clay pot full of thriving weeds spoke to my heart. I don't pretend to have all the answers to any of these questions.

All I know is if a seed can find an old clay pot...thrive, grow, and stand tall for the passing world to see I should be able to find joy in my struggles as well. There is beauty to be found in what the world deems unattractive. Sometimes, less is more!

With my thoughts in ink, I remind myself once again that all inventions, growth, and change start with the mindset [I can] Struggles are part of the journey. Let's encourage ourselves to find joy in the simple, Christ is our comfort.

Do what seems impossible. Dream big! Stand tall and thrive!

"Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me".