Week 301

Positive post Sunday, December 4, 2022- Week 301. 

If you’re like me, you have accumulated many scars throughout your life, some physical and others psychological or emotional, and all coming with some level of pain.  Although I have experienced significant physical pain from surgeries and cycling accidents, the pain we experience from the psychological scars we endure throughout our lives is often far more intense.

Some scars are considered a sign of passage, like a cyclist getting road rash or breaking a collarbone from a crash.  Other scars may be from challenging times we’ve faced in our lives, times when perhaps we weren’t at our best.  Regardless of the type or origin of the scars, there is always a story behind them and most importantly an experience from which we can learn.  As they say, “No pain no gain.”

I believe that scars are signs that we are actively living, exploring, being adventurous and navigating through trials and tribulations.  It is through our suffering and healing that we emerge stronger and with character, and with the grace of God, deepen our faith as devoted servants.  

Life is short and the Lord has plans for all of us.  We will undoubtably stumble along the way, gaining a scar or two.  These scars don’t need to define us or dictate our future, but they can be viewed as reminders that we are human and imperfect, and that we can overcome the wounds we encounter in our lives.  By giving them up to the Lord, we can free ourselves of pain and continue to follow his plan on our journey to everlasting life.

Have you humbly placed the wounds and scars in your life before the Lord and prayed for his forgiveness and strength to fully heal?

What have you learned from the experiences that created the scars in your life?

How do you help others heal from their wounds and scars with compassion, empathy and kindness, and where needed, forgiveness?