My youngest son recently injured his ankle. Unfortunately, it was right before a school field trip to a huge farm that had a ton of fun things to do. Things that were easier to enjoy, not in crutches. We were not there very long before discouragement set in and tears followed. He was sad that he could not do a lot of the things he really wanted to do. His arms began to tire from walking around on the crutches and he began to feel defeated as kids stared at him, trying to make his way through the crowd. It did not take long before we found him a wheelchair to try to make the experience a little more enjoyable. Which it did help. He was able to pet some farm animals, walk around and sight see and enjoy a huge Carmel apple. Friends, we had looked forward to this trip and it did not go as we had anticipated. However, we made the most of it. Despite being more limited, we were all able to still have a good time. We were able to find some joy, even if we were not able to have as much fun as planned. Most importantly, I was able to spend time with my boys and my dad who joined us.  Friend, if something is not working out as great as you had expected, find joy in it. Maybe that means going about things differently, but don’t give up or be discouraged! For God has given us this life and the blessings in which we have here; may we make the moments count in every way that we can.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character; and character, hope.