As we welcome August this week, many of us will be returning to school before we know it. Everyone greets each other with big hugs and smiles. Then comes the question we will hear a million times during the first few days, "What did you do this summer?"
Most people reply with the details of their exciting adventures, once-in-a-lifetime vacations, or their semi-eventful work schedules. But what if your summer wasn't what you wanted it to be? What if it didn't include constant fun and adventure like most? What if it included pain, heartache and constant struggle? Well here's a news flash for you, that's okay.
This summer was not at all ideal for me, and many people would be uncomfortable if I told them how I spent my 108 days of campus free living. So far, I have spent fifty-five days in treatment. From everything to an Eating Disorder to self-harm, to suicide. It's been a hard summer full of painful work and necessary growth, and there is nothing wrong with that. This is something that we all know as people; life isn't always peachy. But for some reason we fail to acknowledge that pretty regularly.
Maybe you lost someone you loved this summer, or maybe an old habit keeps popping back up. Maybe the internship you wanted didn't work out or the fun summer trip you planned got cancelled. Maybe someone broke your heart, and maybe your faith didn't grow in the way you wanted it to. The possibilities to what may have gone wrong for you this summer are endless, but so is the good that can come out of it.
Whether your summer was everything you wanted it to be or a total bummer, remember that every single circumstance is an opportunity to grow and mature in yourself.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belongs to Christ Jesus."
This means that there is a reason to find joy in every situation. Maybe you're hurting right now, and you're angry. Well it's not a bad thing to feel those feelings. They are there for a reason, and they're telling you something about the situation. It is in these moments of pain that we need to stop and take a step back, and discover what it is that is hurting our hearts. Once we are able to look at it head on, we can choose what is best and begin to heal.
When we stay stuck in that pain, bitterness develops. When we refuse to take a step back and try to see the bigger picture, we trap ourselves in our own despair. There are times we cannot see the big picture, and this is when childlike faith and trust are most important. Changing our perspectives is what helps us heal. Remember that God is in control of all circumstances, and He handles all things. That is something to be thankful for. God is making no mistake in where you are right now. What are you going to do with it?
