Last week, I wrote about how blessed I've been since surgery. And it is so true. But last night I had a low point, and it got me thinking. While I don't want to sit around and complain at all, I also don't want to sugarcoat anything, because it's also been really hard. In fact, it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. And going back to work after only one week off has also been one of the hardest things I've ever done.
Thinking back, though, I can remember so many times when I've said, "this is one of the hardest things I've ever done." And honestly, those things have also given way to some of the best and proudest moments of my life. I know I'll get through this, because...
When I trained for and ran a half marathon last year, it was one of the hardest physical things I've ever done. I barely scraped through the training, and the actual run was way more difficult than I'd ever expected. But the feeling I got when I ran through that finish line was one of the proudest moments of my life. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
In the span of one month about 3 years ago, I graduated from college, bought a house, got married, and moved across the state. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. But it's led to this beautiful life that I lead. Never for a moment have I regretted going through such a difficult transition.
One summer during college, I stayed in South Africa for two months and helped take care of kids at an orphanage. It was good, but I was in a different continent from all my family and friends. At the end of the summer, one of the babies we cared for died. I don't know how long it took me to deal with that, because it still hurts when I think about it. But I still have a picture of each child on my dresser. It really did change my life, for the better.
So really, each thing I've gone through has been hard and terrible, but rich and rewarding at the same time. I know I can get through this thing, too.
What about you? What's the hardest thing you've ever done? Was it worth the difficulty of your situation?
