Lessons from the Beach of Orange County:

A six year old boy was about 50 yards from his destination. His mom walking ahead of him a few feet.
He had a walker and two braces covering his legs. I don’t know why his legs were in braces but it was apparent from his walking that each step was very laborious walking on the sandy beach.
His goal? Make it to the ocean.
As I watched this scene unfold, I was mesmerized by the interaction from the six year old boy and his mom as he took his journey thru the sand.

Mom: “C’mon son…the doctor said it would be good for you and make you stronger.”
Boy: Mom, it’s…too…hard.
Mom: Son, you are doing so good. I wish you could see how good you are doing right now.
(The boy seemed to be encouraged as he took additional steps.)
Boy: I can’t go anymore! It’s not fair!
Mom: Son, you are doing so good, you can do this… Keep going….

After about 25 minutes, the boy got within 10 feet of his destination and started crying out to his mom.
Then I saw a picture of incredible compassion as the mom reached down and picked up her son.  She held him close to herself, loved on him, kissed him and told him how proud of him she was.
Then… she sat him down and he finished out his journey. Why? Because she loved him and wanted him to get stronger. She knew what was best for him.

Are you struggling with life right now? Are you feeling like it’s not fair what you are going thru? God is using this trial to make you stronger. If you listen to Him, He will bring you encouragement thru His word and the many people he surrounds you with today. And yes, when we are hurting, we can cry out to Him and He will wrap His loving arms around us with love and hold us in our despair. But the journey must continue…He will make us stronger thru our walk.

He will be our greatest cheer leader walking ahead of us as we continue the race until completion. No matter how grim things may look, know that God is still in control. Stay in peace, knowing that he will always be with you…he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Have a great day.

Rodney Holmstrom

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