Kevin and I recently went through a personal hardship that has been pretty heavy on our hearts. We've been sitting in something, knowing that we don't deserve it and knowing that its not fair. We've had a few people say things like "its actually quite common" and then provide statistics which are somehow supposed to make us feel better. I've even tried to convince myself that it really is not that big of a deal and it will all be okay.
We went to church last weekend and our pastor talked about the first miracle that Jesus performed: turning water into wine. Jesus was in attendance at the wedding of a couple whose names didn't make it into the bible, meaning they likely were not royalty or holding some sort of great power. Even so, he chose to, as his first miraculous way of meeting a need, turn water into wine when their supply ran dry. This couple, who likely felt embarrassed that their "lowly" status became even more obvious to their guests, had a hardship. I'm sure that Jesus thought very carefully through this first act that would set him apart from all other people. Jesus chose to meet this need, when comparatively could have done anything. Maybe moved a mountain. Cured an illness. But he chose this.
The fact is, it's not okay. Its really not okay. And this is our big deal.
So I'm learning, my hardship is important.
