God, Bless The Broken Road

Last week, my family and I took a trip to California. Like usual, we drove. And also like usual, all 6 (of the 8 in my family) of us kids had our headphones in and listening to our own music to pass the drive. I listened to some of my old music for the first time in a long time. As "God Bless The Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts came on, I listened intently to the lyrics. I never really paid attention to what the words were saying. I especially loved the first verse:

I set out on a narrow way, many years ago

Hoping I would find true love, along the broken road

But I got lost a time or two

Wiped my brow and kept pushing through 

I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you

So, this song is sorta a love song... but I think with a different perspective it is applied to every aspect of our lives. 

We set out on the path of life, getting lost here and there. But, every experience we have, points us back to where we should be going, as long as we keep enduring through the hard times. 

I think a lot of times, we struggle when we get lost and think the only choice left is to give up. However, this is not and never true. We are never too lost to go back. Never. Ever. Just keep pushing through, I can promise it will be worth it in the bigger perspective of things. 

Something I have learned in life, is that trials bring growth. The only way we can learn and progress is through something hard. In school we are required to put forth an effort to complete assignments and study. At work, we need to finish our tasks and get along with our co-workers. And in life, we need to push through trials and endure to the end. It is a truth we see in every aspect of our lives. Looking back at my own trials, I see growth and progression afterwards. My testimony is stronger. I trust more in God and His timing. I know I can do hard things. And when another trial comes, I know I can overcome it. 

Here's an example. My mother passed away 5 years ago. During that time that she was sick and after she had died, it was SO hard. I thought I would never get over it. I thought it would never get easier. Luckily for me, my father had a great perspective through this trial. He was optimistic towards the future and would ask "Where will we be in 6 months from now? a year? 5 years?..." and we would think of how we wanted to be. I wanted to be happy. I wanted to make the most of the hard time. And with this goal and vision, I was able to do so. We can't get anywhere in life without a goal and a plan. During this time, I kept a journal. When I look through that journal, and see how my thoughts and feelings were, I can see how I have progressed. I can honestly say that I am happier now. I learned so much. I was able to learn how to take care of home responsibilities as I sort of took on the "mother role" as the oldest child and only daughter. I watched out for my younger brothers. I pushed to succeed in my schooling. I went on a mission and was able to help those around me who were going through similar trials. 

I don't say this to boast, I have no intention of boasting. I say this, because I can testify that trials make us stronger. God knew that I needed this specific trial, at that specific time, to grow. He knows what YOU are going through. Right now. And he knows the purpose. Trust Him. Rely on Him. HE is "blessing the broken road" to lead us back to Him. You can do hard things. Christ is there to help. Always. 

So next time you find yourself on this broken road, thank God for the experience. Thank him for the growth and progression that you will see in yourself afterwards. Thank him for trusting you to endure through these trials. Then, "wipe your brow and keep pushing through."