Very funny, God!

Dear Friends in Christ -

There have been a few bumps in the road this past week. In this transition in our youth ministries program, we're all working hard to keep things going well. But transition kicks stuff up - inside us, between us. I see and appreciate how hard everyone is working to be respectful and helpful, even as change raises anxieties and concerns. It's just not easy.

Then, this morning I found a note in my email inbox with an article entitled "The Need for Stress and Conflict."

I reacted to the words on the page very much like I used to react to my mother when she told me I had to eat my broccoli: I turned my head off to the side a little and said "ickkkk." Then, under my breath, "Very funny, God!"

But in all honesty, I had to eventually admit to myself that I also felt reassured. Just as I know that my mother wanted me to eat my broccoli because it was good for me, I know that God shows me things in times of stress, change - and, yes, even conflict - that I wouldn't otherwise learn.

Sigh. I'm glad that in the midst of challenging days, God cares enough about me - and all of us - to remind us that, even in tough times, He's there and He'll see us through.

Faithfully,
Janet+