If you journal, even sporadically(like me), you might look back on your writings and cringe a little sometimes. I know I do! Every so often, though, I read something I wrote a LONG time ago and think, “man, I really had it together then – what in the heck happened?!?”
I have journals of all kinds; some are just little spiral notebooks, some are guided journals or prayer notebooks, even “get your life together” workbooks. They come in all shapes and sizes, and I really don’t have one that I recommend over another. What I DO recommend is that you start. Start right where you are, with whatever comes to hand – dollar store notebook, fancy planner, bullet journal, whatever – just start. You might write a page a day for the rest of your life, or you might make a note on the calendar page that you “bought bananas today.” It’s all history, and it’s all yours.
I came across a journal entry today that kinda hit me between the eyes. Ten years ago I was working in a guided journal, and the prompt was about life being a “test and a trust.” Ponder, for a moment, Luke’s counsel – “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. Luke 16:10, NLT”
Ten years ago, this is what my brain came up with:
“A test? It’s ALL a test. Every time I come out on the other wide and look back, I see the test and can usually see the reason/lesson. Each one is a step that helps me get through the next, as long as I remain humble and teachable. My trust? Those souls that have been entrusted to my care. I have the privilege of being able to love these children that I’ve been given. God has been so generous, allowing me so many; whether I physically gave birth or assimilated them into my family. Each one is precious, each one is loved for his/her own unique qualities. I hope they never have cause to doubt that.
There are big, huge, ugly tests that drop me to my knees by sheer force, and there are tiny steps of tests that I don’t notice except in retrospect. All are endured by faith, and faith alone. All have merit.”
What test are you thinking about right now? How did it prepare you for something else? What blessing came out of it that you NEVER could have imagined?
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12, NLT
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