Lessons From My Daughter

I was talking to my daughter the other day and she was telling me how one of her kidos was complaining about doing hard stuff. “Why is it so hard?” They asked. She smiled and said, “It’s called hard because it is hard! And you can do it. So, get to it!!”

I had to laugh.  

How did my daughter get to be such a tough-nosed mom? And what’s the point of doing hard stuff anyway?!

Well, for one thing…isn’t that how we grow? We reach and stretch beyond our comfort zone to do things we thought we could not do. If parents do that for their kids, do you suppose our Heavenly Father does likewise? 

I think so. 

In the last week or so, I’ve run across a couple of situations where the people involved were going through hard times. They desperately needed encouragement and wisdom. One young mom had her home destroyed in the recent flood and on top of that was hurting for her son who had chosen a wrong path. Another was trying to hold her family together and be the strength her family needed during a storm. 

I wanted so much to be able to spout off boatloads of wisdom or push a button so that immediately everyone’s problems were over. 

Then I realized that part of life is figuring it out. 

The answer is not always a quick solution but finding the right path and walking in it. 

Sure, we may get off the path, but when we do…we get back on. Wisdom is described as standing in the streets calling out to us. “Look and listen. Pay attention to what works and what doesn’t work.” The Bible tells us that wisdom is everywhere calling out to us.  Of course, wisdom is found in the Scriptures, but it can also be found in the public square because God has infused it into the created order.

This is important. Wisdom is inextricably linked to the structure of the universe. To be wise is to live in synch with God’s created order. Wisdom is not some esoteric thought floating around in space or ideas debated by philosophers that are totally detached from the world.  

Wisdom is the stuff of life. To have it is better than all the wealth of the world and it begins with God. For nothing we desire can compare with the benefits of wisdom!! 

“Look and listen. Pay attention. Seek and you will find!!” 

But life is hard, you say. Yes, it is. 

But keep in mind that all storms are temporary!! And God gives wisdom and strength for the hard times. Whatever He gives, we can handle. This is His promise!! He doesn’t give us anything that is beyond what we can bear!! There is nothing that happens to us that hasn’t first passed through the loving fingers of our Heavenly Father. 

He works all things…do you see that? All things are being woven together to produce good. He promises this to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. 

And what is that good?  

Bringing us to maturity like a father or a mother who teaches a child and rejoices when the child reaches maturity.  

This is good news!!

God is repairing the brokenness of humanity one person at a time!! 

I love this. God is fixing me, and God is fixing you. He is transforming us from the inside out and part of what He uses is hard things.

Is God calling you to do hard things? Well, remember they’re called hard because they are hard. Ha!!!

Look for wisdom and strength. They are there to be found!! Remember God’s promises. Like our earthly fathers, our Heavenly Father is stretching and growing us!! Be courageous and strong. Lean into Him and remember you can do it!!  

And when you do, you grow and it shows.

I know the proof is in the pudding, but for now…I know a few kids who have stepped up to do hard things, and it shows. 

Hugs,