I was reminded recently that a goal of mine last summer was to fly a kite. I did it! We were at the beach with some friends this past Saturday, and I noticed that my friend Fang had a kite. His kite is from China, the kite capital of the world (for you Olympic Trivia Buffs)!
Fang held the kite as I ran, and looked up to see how it was doing. It felt great to look up and admire the colorful flag fluttering in the wind. Last summer I was in too much pain to go in the ocean, play volleyball, horseback ride, fish, kayak, and fly a kite. This summer I did it all, but these goals would have been meaningless if they were not done with joy and thankfulness over all that God has taught me this past year. I waited on Him and His timing, and He told me many times that it would be worth the wait.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
I have always took for granted the simple pleasure of looking up without pain. Living with pain for a year taught me that a life pain free is not guaranteed. Whether it is physical pain or mental pain, we all experience trials. I have never met anyone who has not experienced a heartache at some point in their life. That is where hope comes in. When you truly grasp the concept of hope, then you understand that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Hope is what you fix your eyes on and don't let go of when you are in the pitch dark. It reminds me of the roller coaster at Disneyland called Space Mountain. You sit nice and secure in your little ship as it slowly takes you up a hill and away from the light. Once you are at the top, you are plunged into the darkness as your space ship takes you on hair pin turns and hills. You hope that you will be safe and make it through to the end. You realize that you would not want to be on this ride too long. You welcome the light and the completion of the ride. You feel proud of yourself for having the courage to endure the ride.
Jon and I have several friends lately who are on a very dark and scary roller coaster, and our hearts hurt for them. Two couples are facing divorce, and one couple just got news of cancer. They are all in pain. The only thing we know to do is encourage them to keep their eyes on the Lord and seek His will. God's promises in the Bible are the only way we have survived. When we surrendered ourselves over to God's will, we were amazed at how different our trial looked, and how faithful He has been in providing for us. He gave us peace even though He has not taken away the cancer.
Jon and I sincerely pray that if you are in a time of pain and fear, that you will claim God's promises of peace and comfort. Look for hope through faith in a God who knows how many hairs are on your head.
God Bless,
Sandy
