Struggle

Struggle...not a typical word I want to live by.  In fact, I have done everything in my power to avoid struggle!  But, I have recently realized the character and the strength that comes from struggling.  Yesterday, I was running uphill against the wind and I thought, this is how life feels.  It's a battle to get to the top of the hill and it seems like forever before I get there.  Why would I do that to myself?  Why would I choose to struggle up the hill?  Because I know that it will make me stronger...my heart, my lungs, my skeletal muscles, my bones...all of me will become stronger as I continue to challenge myself with running. 

Life brings struggles my way...I rarely go looking for them!  Colon cancer made me a survivor, taught me gratitude, and convinced me that God loves me and He does miracles!  The five year struggle after college with depression, letting go of my plans, and trying to find a job taught me that God's ways and His plans are so much better than mine!  The day to day struggles of balancing being a wife, mom, teacher, friend, and Christian sometimes feel like losing battles to me.  I struggle to be better at every role that I fill and I am often frustrated by how human and limited I am, but Jesus uses my every day challenges to make me stronger if I will let Him. 

I am choosing to embrace the struggles and to enjoy the challenge of getting to the top of the mountain!  I will be better...I will be stronger...I will be more like Jesus!  And the view from the top will be breathtaking!