This morning Matt was getting ready for school and he took his backpack off the hook. The bag made a thud as it hit the ground. Matt proceeded to pick it up and asked, "Why is everything so heavy?"

Without thinking I said, "to help us grow stronger."

I don't believe Matt acknowledged the comment, nor would I have as a 10 year old. Yet after I said those words, it made me reflect on some things I have going on in my heart, and some heaviness I have been experiencing.

In the Bible study I am in, we have been studying 1 & 2 Peter. They are not books to dive into if you've never read the Bible. I hadn't read through them since 2017, after I have finished cancer treatments. The books are heavy yet powerful; a reminder that our struggles serve a greater purpose, including to refine our faith by deepening our relationship with God and help grow us stronger within through the process.

I share this with you today in case you too have moments, days or are in a season that is heavy. I invite you to join me to...

pause. breathe. pray.™

May we remember that when things feel heavy, God wants us to turn to Him and have us ask Him to help lighten the heavy. When we do, He will help strengthen us, from the inside out, through the process. May we entrust our souls to our faithful creator so when things feels heavy in life, like Matt's backpack did for him this morning, we can confidently say, this is making me stronger - through Christ who strengthens me.

With love and hope,
Shawn

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."
- 1 Peter 5:10