Trials

It is interesting to watch people go through trials. Notice I said 'watch,' as I hate going through them personally. The way in which people deal with things from minor to massive is very revealing. I for one do much better with HUGE trials, and fall apart when a minor hiccup comes along.

I watch Leslie and Kenna as they experience the trials of growing and learning. Leslie is persistent in her pursuit of the perfect handstand, and she's getting pretty close. Kenna is currently facing the trial of learning personal responsibility. I must say she is doing better than some adults I know, and probably pretty often she's better than I am.

Kristin and I have been married now for 7 and 1/2 years, and we have faced and endured trials from job stuff, to personal loss, to illness, to the trial many face today of financial difficulties. We are blessed to have each other, because usually when one of us fails to stand, the other is there to help out.

James 1:12 tells us, "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Perseverance is the key to success, just as Leslie pursues that handstand, and Kenna pursues independence, we are to doggedly pursue victory. And having a partner, be it a spouse or friend or family member is important as well. Others need to share in our struggles, so that they may rejoice in our victories. Imagine winning the gold medal at the Olympics, yet having no one to hug and cry with after the fact.

What I find interesting about that verse, is that it doesn't say when we get the crown of life. Lots of times, I think, "Duh, in heaven, of course!" But what if the reading is more literal...and present? What if what James is saying is that standing firm through trials is how we live? Life might be too boring and monotonous if we never had to endure or strive. Then we wouldn't appreciate the glory it is to be alive, blessed with the opportunity to savor moments of beauty amidst the smoke and haze of our daily battles.

So let us steel our gaze. Let us stretch up to our full height, no longer slumping under the weight of our perceived burdens. Let us resolve to persevere, and collect our crown.

Then maybe we will ENJOY our OWN trial, instead of watching others from a distance.