Blessings From Hard Seasons

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

“Working with the toddlers is great. I love it!” A hush fell over our group chatting in the church lobby as the attention suddenly swung to me and my cheery declaration. Noticing several incredulous looks, I continued, “My kids are long past the toddler stage. It’s fun to be around kids that age again, especially when I get to give them back to Mom and Dad after service.”

After I doubled down on my enthusiastic, nonsarcastic response, our conversation drifted on to more interesting topics, despite a glance or two letting me know that my feelings weren’t necessarily the majority opinion.

The truth is, I’d intentionally asked the children’s pastor to put me in the hardest-to-fill slot, knowing it was probably with the infants and toddlers. I remember what it was like to be a young mom of very young children and how amazing Sunday mornings were when I could spend time worshiping God, soaking up the sermon, and chatting for a few moments after service. I was so grateful to know that my kids were safe and cared for.

I also remember that the volunteers for nursery duty during those intense parenting years were primarily fellow parents of toddlers and infants—me included. We were all in the same exhausted boat, taking turns watching one another’s children. It was all those years ago that I promised God that I’d staff the nursery even as my kids grew up, knowing what an immense blessing it was for parents of young children to be in the sanctuary.

Serving God by loving others sometimes simply means noticing a challenging season in someone’s life and making it slightly easier. And it has often been in difficult times that my eyes are opened to ways I can quietly love others in similar circumstances. I’ve gratefully discovered the silver lining of using those experiences to bless others. Personal experience often brings insight into hidden hardships that are otherwise easily overlooked, and it suggests opportunities for being an immense blessing in ways others don’t notice.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Think back to a tough season in your life. Based on what you walked through, list three ways you could make life a bit easier for someone facing a similar situation. Watch for an opportunity to use your ideas.