@RiverBendSagas
Have you ever wondered about the path your life seems to be following?
Why is it so rough at times,
filled with problems and pain? Doubts and fears assail us like fierce winter
storms.
One thing I’ve learned over
the years is my path is uniquely my own, planned just for me. There are moments
when it feels extremely lonely, especially in those rough times. And in those
times where a colleague or a friend or relative seems to be joyously skipping
along in happiness.
But through a lot of trials
such as the death of our first-born, I’ve learned that loneliness is an
emotion. And aloneness is a state of my spirit that opens the door for the
devil to plant seeds of anger and doubt, to drive a wedge between God and me.
And I’ve learned aloneness is
false. I am never alone. God is always beside me and in front of me. I may not
feel his presence but it is never more than a prayer away. If there is distance
between him and me, it’s because I have stepped away to steep myself in my loneliness,
my fear and doubt. And, like tea steeped too long, bitterness flavors my
life.
Then I know it’s time to have
my own Henry Tea Party. Dump the dregs into the harbor of God’s love. Make the
time to be alone with him and appreciate the uniqueness of our relationship.
A preacher once jokingly
described himself as God’s favorite child. Beneath the humor is a mighty kernel
of truth. Each of us is God’s favorite child. Because his relationship with us
is uniquely our own. It’s not like my wife’s or my pastor’s or my best
friend’s. Comparing myself to others only opens the door to more doubt.
When I make the time to be in
his presence, he shows me his love, he unveils what he’s trying to teach me,
and he strengthens me to go through the rough spots.
TWEETABLES
Hope for getting through the rough spots - Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
When the #writing life gets tough - hope from @RiverBendSagas (Click to Tweet)
He serves as Associate Director of North Texas Christian Writers.
Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers.
Connect with Henry on his blog, Twitter and Facebook.
Thank you Henry for your blog. It came at a time when I needed to hear it.
ReplyDeleteHi Jann,
DeleteI am so blessed that my blog helped you.
You've embraced some life-giving truths from your trials, Henry. Thank you for sharing them with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth,
DeleteI'm blessed be to be able to share with everyone who read The Write Conversation. I love how this forum allows us to share our lives and to support and encourage each other.
Henry, this is so heartfelt and beautifully written. I LOVE "If there is distance between him and me, it’s because I have stepped away to steep myself in my loneliness, my fear and doubt. And, like tea steeped too long, bitterness flavors my life.
ReplyDeleteThen I know it’s time to have my own Henry Tea Party. Dump the dregs into the harbor of God’s love."
I truly needed this today. Thank You.
Thank you, Marilyn. I'm so glad my words helped you today.
DeleteI've leaned heavily on God the past month as my husband somewhat unexpectedly told me that he didn't want to be married anymore. I have cried and cried, but the Lord has helped me to see that I could face this breakup with bitterness and anger, or I could put it aside. It takes too much energy to be angry.
ReplyDeletePraying for you, Melissa as you go through this trial. I'm glad God is able to bless and comfort you through it.
DeleteThank you so much for this insightful post. It really blessed me and the "Henry Tea Party" made me smile.
ReplyDelete