A little inspiration

 

Yesterday, I was watching this documentary about Gladys Aylward, a British missionary in China and for those interested to watch it, I will add it at the end of this blog entry.

Gladys has lived an amazing life of self-sacrifice and dedication all through the grace of God. Her story is an amazing one, especially because she did all that, single and in great isolation at a time when both those things would have brought down the strongest of men. At the end of the documentary there is a recording of one of her addresses and she says, “I have not done what I have wanted to. I have not eaten what I wanted or worn what I would have chosen. I have not lived in a house that I would have ever looked at twice. I longed, as I’ve told you, for a husband and babies, security and love, and He didn’t give it. He left me alone for 17 years with one book, a Chinese Bible. I don’t know anything about your latest novels, pictures, theatres. I live in a rather out-dated world, and I suppose you’d say, “Well, it’s awful miserable, isn’t it?” Friend, I’ve been one of the happiest women that have ever stepped this earth. I’ve had a great family of someone else’s children, whom I’ve loved with a great love because Jesus Christ loved me and who I am now receiving back love from.”

Her words made me think back of all the times I felt like I was being cheated of a life I should have lived in place of the life that I was living. I felt bitter at times when everyone else around me lived ‘normal’ lives. I felt like a freak and often wondered, ‘why?’, but I wouldn’t change a thing if I had to do it all over again. I thank God for every unanswered silly prayer that I might be praying away right now. He’s a good Father. He knows what’s best for us. In the thick of things, it might look all chaotic and random and meaningless, but I know from those that went before me, that in the end it will all make sense. Maybe not every detail, not every tear and pang of pain, but you’ll be able to see the bigger picture. It might take new eyes in a new reality to make sense of this one, but I am convinced that there is meaning and purpose in everything He does.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 

 

by Cristina Pop