The further I go on the journey, the more helpful it is to question my irritations! It's not easy, and I don't do it perfectly, but I'm paying attention more than I used to. And that's growth.
Here's a little more from the book that I can share ... I hope it offers a little more explanation:
"Affliction, in and of itself, doesn’t transform us, as Anne Morrow Lindbergh wisely wrote:
'I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.' Yes, it’s not the tragedy, hardship, or irritation that shapes us; it’s the opportunities they present and the grace that meets us right in the middle of it. Affliction provides an opportunity—not a guarantee—for transformation. By choosing to mourn, to wait, and to stay open, grace finds room to work within us, bringing about the change we long for in ways we could never engineer on our own."
The moment before I opened this, I was thinking on an irritation that had just happened. Reading here actually helped me to set it down and question why it even matters, because compared to tragedy, it is inconsequential.
What I am really pondering is your statement:
“Recognizing these degrees of affliction has given me a framework to better understand my experience of purgation and how to respond to it.” I would love to hear more explanation.
I am very grateful for your clear concise division and description of affliction. It resonated deeply…
Jon, it's fascinating how it is in the tough seasons that we have the opportunity to experience something extra special from our loving God. But as you say, we need to receive the grace, be open to for all the Lord may have for us.
I'm presently in the middle of an adventure of healing from a serious illness and I'm loving this opportunity to experience more of the tenderness and wonder of God. I'm excited to be participating in a transformational journey and simply enjoying Jesus in his care. I'm learning that surrendering to both the physical healing process and to Jesus' gentle whispers allows me to grow in trust as we ride this adventure together.
Yes, question our irritations—very good advice; and own the feelings, meaning be honest about them. I realized that setting an irritation down does not necessarily help. Questioning and searching for the source is a better way to resolve and decide to be willing to change. Thanks for sharing more. It is helpful to hear a different voice, especially yours and your carefully selected voices from the past.
The further I go on the journey, the more helpful it is to question my irritations! It's not easy, and I don't do it perfectly, but I'm paying attention more than I used to. And that's growth.
Here's a little more from the book that I can share ... I hope it offers a little more explanation:
"Affliction, in and of itself, doesn’t transform us, as Anne Morrow Lindbergh wisely wrote:
'I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and the willingness to remain vulnerable.' Yes, it’s not the tragedy, hardship, or irritation that shapes us; it’s the opportunities they present and the grace that meets us right in the middle of it. Affliction provides an opportunity—not a guarantee—for transformation. By choosing to mourn, to wait, and to stay open, grace finds room to work within us, bringing about the change we long for in ways we could never engineer on our own."
The moment before I opened this, I was thinking on an irritation that had just happened. Reading here actually helped me to set it down and question why it even matters, because compared to tragedy, it is inconsequential.
What I am really pondering is your statement:
“Recognizing these degrees of affliction has given me a framework to better understand my experience of purgation and how to respond to it.” I would love to hear more explanation.
I am very grateful for your clear concise division and description of affliction. It resonated deeply…
Jon, it's fascinating how it is in the tough seasons that we have the opportunity to experience something extra special from our loving God. But as you say, we need to receive the grace, be open to for all the Lord may have for us.
I'm presently in the middle of an adventure of healing from a serious illness and I'm loving this opportunity to experience more of the tenderness and wonder of God. I'm excited to be participating in a transformational journey and simply enjoying Jesus in his care. I'm learning that surrendering to both the physical healing process and to Jesus' gentle whispers allows me to grow in trust as we ride this adventure together.
Thanks for sharing this. I just said a prayer for your healing … praying for grace to find you in the hardship of sickness!
I too am excited and grateful to be on a transformational journey.
Yes, question our irritations—very good advice; and own the feelings, meaning be honest about them. I realized that setting an irritation down does not necessarily help. Questioning and searching for the source is a better way to resolve and decide to be willing to change. Thanks for sharing more. It is helpful to hear a different voice, especially yours and your carefully selected voices from the past.