I love babies so much. Sometimes I feel like I missed my calling. Maybe I should have started a daycare instead of launching out into media, music, speaking, and writing. OK, well… not really, but I do love kids. So when I heard that my friend and EEW Magazine inspirational columnist, LaKeisha Rainey-Collins, had given birth to a healthy baby boy today, I was so excited. His name is Jorden Alexander Collins and he weighed in at 7lbs and 11oz.
I remember at around 8:00 this morning, Keisha was in lots of pain, going through labor. I told her I hoped the labor would be over quickly and prayed for the safe arrival of a healthy baby. I was so pleased when, shortly after noon, I received confirmation that the pain had ended and a sweet new addition to her clan had made his entrance into the world.
I’m so happy for Keisha and her husband Jeremy.
While communicating with her today, my mind went back to my childbearing days. The excitement of bringing a new baby into the world was always mixed with apprehension over having to endure the excruciating pain of labor.
But somehow, after the pain had subsided, the joy of holding a beautiful child in my arms made the discomfort and hardship pale in comparison. And the same is true of life. We go through hard things that don’t feel good in the moment. But when we endure trials and keep pressing toward our goals, the prize on the other end makes it well worth the struggle.
To reiterate a lessoin in yesterday’s post, there will be seasons when things don't come easy. But don’t be discouraged by the process. It might be rough. You might have to endure some pain. You may even cry sometimes. But you’ll get through it. You'll make it to the other side. I know you will.
That's why today, if you’re in a difficult space, I want to add Romans 8:18 NIV to your cup of inspiration. It says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” When you drink down the contents of your cup, you’ll realize that, though things might be hard now, what will be is much better than what has been.
Again, hold on. Endure the pain. Withstand the rain. And never stop believing that the fruit of endurance is joy and victory.
God, enduring the process that leads to the promise is hard. Sometimes it feels like the pain and struggle will never go away. But through it all, I choose to continue trusting You Lord. I'm still believing that things will get better and that You have a good plan for my life according to Jeremiah 29:11. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, empower, and encourage you!
