Band-Aids and Fiber

My blog earlier this week referenced a run that Chris, my daughter, and I completed on a recent Saturday morning. Who would've guessed that one run could produce two blogs? However, I regret that there was material for a second blog. It came at a pretty high price.At about the 2½ mile mark, we had an option to take the short route home or to continue and take a slightly longer path back. Annika deferred to my preference, so I led the way to take the longer path. Within 100 strides, I lived to regret my decision as Chris and I watched Annika slip on a wet patch of leaves. Sprawled on the ground for a split second, she picked herself up like a champ. Unfortunately, the concrete beneath the leaves was unforgiving. Blood dripped from knees, elbows, hip, and hand. Then the tears came… first from her, but then from us. That night was homecoming.What woman wants to display wounds and Band-Aids^® when she dons a beautiful short party dress? Multiply the disdain by 1000% and you might get close to how much it discourages a sophomore in high school. We walked back muttering "sorry" and "I love you" in between gaping holes of silence as we all pondered and then audibly wrestled with the "whys." Why did I take the long route? Why did she have to fall? Why didn't she stick with her previous morning commitment? Why did it have to be wet this morning? Questions with no answers.After gauze, Neosporin^®, hydrogen peroxide, and ice, Annika took a deep breath as she tried to gather herself. There was every reason to skip the event. Her plans for the night were tentative and everyone would’ve understood. Yet a few hours later, she emerged really sore, but looking gorgeous. She’s been blessed with external beauty, but more importantly, God was developing a strength and dignity of internal beauty right before our eyes.I want to encourage you that when you’re in the midst of the unanswerable whys in life, you must know that God sees you and cares. Your whys may be much more life-altering than ours that day, but just like Chris and I were heartbroken over Annika’s fall, God is heartbroken over our falls. In a world where disease and tragedy entered with humanity's choice to do it our way, sometimes there are spills.I tell Annika all the time that she has fiber. What I mean is that God’s developing her into a woman of strength and character. Through success and through adversity, she’s learning to lean on Him.She emerged from the dance later that evening having enjoyed the evening. More than a good evening, however, there was victory. The enemy could’ve easily scored a blow. Instead, this girl with liquid Band-Aids^® took courage and got the upper hand.If you’re at a crossroads right now of giving in to discouragement or overcoming adversity, I hope you’ll know you’re not alone. The Lord is your biggest encourager. Don’t give the worthless liar an inch. Instead, trust that through your perseverance God will give you some fiber. May our discouragements be transformed into victories… one Band-Aid^® at a time.