Through Smoke

Sometimes the only way we can learn is the hard way.  I think we tend to avoid these lessons or even run from them when they confront us, but there comes a point where no more progression can be made until the hard lesson is faced.  There’s an old Zen saying that says, “Lean into the sharp points.”  I think we can learn from this.  We often run from the valley of death without realizing the treasure that awaits us on the other side.  Pain is a part of life and without it everything would be so dull.  Pain is necessary, but nonetheless very unpleasant.  I’ve been mad at God for creating a world with so much pain but I have gotten over it.  I have to, otherwise I’m just prolonging my own suffering.  It’s been a hard lesson to learn but so necessary.   I can finally see Him again through the smoke.

 

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.