A Season of Reflection
There’s something about springtime—the warm sun, blooming
flowers, and the world seemingly coming back to life—that stirs reflection. It
awakens both hope and longing. For me, spring has brought a fresh wave of contemplation.
Not just about nature and renewal, but about where I stand in the midst of it
all.
Lately, I’ve been thinking deeply about what I can do,
what I want to do, and where those things don’t always align. That space
in-between has been teaching me something powerful. And I want to share it—not
because I have it all figured out, but because I believe there’s something here
that might encourage you, too.
The Tension Between Desire and Ability
As the weather warms, more people head outdoors—hiking
trails, planning adventures, living life fully in the fresh air. I love being
outside. I want to go out there with them. But for me, the idea of
hiking or exploring uneven terrain is more than a casual challenge—it’s a real
obstacle.
Simple things like gravel, slopes, or unpredictable paths can be difficult. Even walking longer distances requires someone beside me, offering physical support and stability. Without someone by my side—literally holding onto my arm—it's risky, even if my heart is 100% in it. And as much as I want to say yes to every opportunity, sometimes I know that joining in would become a burden—not only for me but for those who care for me.
So I find myself torn: desiring connection, adventure, and
participation, but also recognizing my limitations and the very real
consequences of overextending myself. I find myself in this strange in-between
space—grateful not to be in situations that overwhelm or endanger me, but still
grieving a bit of the freedom others might take for granted.
Please don’t misunderstand—I don’t share this to make anyone
feel guilty or obligated. I simply want to encourage awareness, gratitude, and
compassion for the blessings we sometimes take for granted.
Choosing Gratitude in the “No”
There’s a strange sort of grace in learning to say no. Not
out of defeat or self-pity, but from a place of wisdom and trust. I’ve come
to understand that missing out on certain things doesn’t mean missing out on
everything.
Sometimes, no is a gift.
Because saying no to something that isn’t right for me
opens up the chance to say yes to something else—something that is
life-giving, healing, and within reach.
I’ve realized that just because I can’t scale a mountain
trail doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the sunshine on my front steps, or the quiet
rustle of trees on a walk around the yard. My journey has made me more
aware—more intentional about the small, sacred moments that others might rush
past.
Don’t Squander What You Have
If I could share one piece of encouragement from this place
of reflection, it would be this: don’t squander the opportunities you have.
Maybe you can take long walks without a second thought.
Maybe you can hop in the car, run errands, clean your home, or climb a hill. I
know those things might not feel like opportunities—but they are.
They're gifts.
Life isn’t always about the big mountaintop moments. It’s
about the everyday—brushing your teeth without help, walking through the
grocery store, getting the mail, cooking dinner. These are not small things.
They are everyday miracles.
A Kingdom Perspective: The Power of Stewardship
Scripture reminds us to be faithful stewards of what we’ve
been given—not just in finances or talents, but in life itself.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the
Lord, and not unto men;" Colossians 3:23
That means our walking, our breathing, our showing up
every day—it all matters. It’s not wasted when it’s done in love and
offered to God. Whether we’re able to run marathons or simply lift our hands in
praise from a chair, our effort and our faithfulness count in the Kingdom.
"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and
faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee
ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord." Matthew
25:23
This verse always reminds me that it’s not about the
quantity of what we can do, but the quality of how we do it—with
faithfulness, gratitude, and trust.
The Grace to Grow Where You Are
I’ve also learned that growth doesn’t always look like it
does on social media or in the lives of others. Sometimes growth is painfully
slow. Sometimes it’s invisible to others. But God sees every step we
take—literally and spiritually.
"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have
no might he increaseth strength." Isaiah 40:29
I’m learning to celebrate progress, even if it’s just
walking across the yard by myself on a good day. I’m learning to see grace in
what once felt like limitation. And I’m realizing that even when I can't go
far physically, I can go deep spiritually. That’s a kind of journey, too.
Encouragement for the Able: Walk With Awareness
If you’re reading this and you’re able to move freely, let
me encourage you to walk with awareness. Be mindful of the blessings in your
body, your routine, and your freedom. Not from guilt, but from a heart full of
gratitude.
Walk for those who can’t.
Run with joy.
Sit outside and soak in the sunshine for someone who may not be able to.
And if you have the chance, help someone else enjoy those things, too. Be the
hand they can hold, the steady support, the encouraging voice.
The Power of Testimony: Beautifully Broken
Recently, I was invited to share my story and testimony with
a group of women. I felt honored to be asked. Anytime I get to speak, I like to
share pictures from my journey—photos that show the reality of what I’ve
endured, but also the grace that carried me through. I talk about the injuries
I sustained, the physical, emotional, and financial hurdles I faced, and how
God helped me overcome each one, one step at a time.
Each time I share, the beginning is familiar—an honest
reflection of the pain and the process—but the ending? That part changes. I try
to tailor the conclusion to the hearts of the people I’m speaking with.
This time, they gave me the theme “Beautifully Broken.”
And I could not have imagined a more perfect phrase.
It’s taken me a long time to see beauty in my life again.
For so long, all I could see was what was lost, what was broken, what hurt. But
I’ve come to realize that God doesn’t just rebuild us—He restores us.
And not just back to what we were, but to something stronger, deeper, more
beautiful.
Like the song says, it’s through the breaking that we can be
made new. That’s how the Master Potter works—He reshapes us with purpose and
care. And when God puts us back together, He doesn’t just fix us—He makes us beautifully
whole.
"But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath
tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job 23:10
Closing Thoughts: Let Spring Stir Gratitude
So yes, spring is stirring something in me. It’s stirring
longing, but also a deeper sense of gratitude—for what I can do, for what I’ve
overcome, and for what I’m still learning. It’s reminding me that every
season has purpose, even if the path is harder than I expected.
If you’re in a season of tension, of in-between, of
wrestling with what you can’t do—know you’re not alone. You’re seen, you’re
loved, and you have a purpose right where you are.
And if you're in a season of ease, take a moment to thank God for the simple things. Don’t miss the beauty of the everyday. Walk humbly, love deeply, and enjoy the path beneath your feet—even the gravel.
As spring breathes new life into the world around me, I’m learning that beauty isn’t just at the mountaintop — it’s right here, growing quietly in the in-between spaces.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the journey—every step, every scar, every moment I thought I
wouldn’t make it. Thank You for the strength You gave me when I had none left.
Thank You for reminding me that brokenness is not the end but the beginning of
something beautiful when it’s placed in Your hands. Help me to continue walking
in grace, not with shame, but with confidence in the story You are writing
through my life. And for every person reading these words, I ask You to open
their eyes to the gifts right in front of them—big or small. Let them see that
ordinary days are full of extraordinary blessings. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
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