Have You Ever...?

Have you ever been through something so life-altering that it takes months or years to become "ok" with it?

Have you ever spent those months getting the wound re-opened just when you thought it was healed?

Have you ever been successful at not thinking about the wound, only to have an innocent bystander tear it open again?

Have you ever had the wound sit and fester for days on end, nagging at your thoughts nonstop?

Have you ever realized that even though the wound may heal in time, you'll always be wounded?

Have you ever thought that, even if your wound is never healed, you have the ability to be content with your wholeness in other areas?

Have you ever realized that through it all, you're thankful for the wound you were given?

Have you ever realized that, were it not for the wound, you wouldn't be the person you are today?

Have you ever been told that one Man was wounded for you? That He gave Himself willingly, with no expectation of reward? That He loves you more than words can say?

Have you ever come to realize that your silly, earthly wounds are meaningless in the long run, yet He cares about them infinitely?

I have, and it's a wonderfully terrible conclusion to reach.