“Conflict” is an important ingredient in storytelling.
I love stories. But I don’t love conflict. Conflict is hard and hurts. But it is a necessary part of life.
When I would occasionally hurt myself as a boy (i.e. smashing my thumb with a hammer, accidentally dropping something heavy on my toe, falling and scraping a knee, accidentally biting my tongue, etc.) my dad would say, “That will feel so much better when it stops hurting!”
Of course, Dad’s was a true statement…but it didn’t help immediately.
Truth: Healing follows pain.
I sometimes think that God, as my Heavenly Father, says the same thing when I am hurt by life’s challenges. Only He adds, “Let me help you through the hurt.”
I confess that I do not like conflict in my life.
Many years ago there was a popular Christian song titled, “Would you” It’s lyrics:
Would you cherish loving arms,
if you’d never shed a tear?
Would you welcome going home,
if you’d never been away?
Would you treasure guiding hands
if you’d never been alone?
I don’t think so, I don’t think so,
I really don’t think so.
Would you value having hope,
if you’d never known despair?
Would you treasure being safe,
if you’d never lost your way?
Would you cherish gentle words,
if you’d never been afraid?
I don’t think so, I don’t think so,
I really don’t think so.
So…I will attempt to appreciate the conflict when it occurs. Because it surely will. And during the rain I will anticipate the rainbow…and trust Him through the storm.
byf8h 