My pastor titled his message this past Sunday morning, “Are you hungry yet?”  He challenged us to be hungry for revival that will outshine the great revivals of the past.  Needless to say, the message put me on my knees, and made me take survey of my life.

My life is pretty sweet right now.  If I glance back over my Facebook statuses (stati?), they all run along the lines of “Britney had an absolutely lovely day” to other random joyous exclamations like “Britney is so happy to be off on President’s Day!”  You know, besides the occasional rant about how old people simply do not know how to communicate on Facebook. 

As much I enjoy the sweet times in life, it’s been the hard times that have stretched and have grown me the most.  My first two years of medical school literally knocked me to the ground. I learned the value of making it through simply because there was no other choice. I discovered that Jesus always understands, even when your family/friends can’t fathom it. Most of all, I learned that Jesus is very real and sweet and tangible in those moments when you are literally at your whit’s end. 

All of that got me to thinking about the value of dissatisfaction. 

I’m not sure that I’m ready to stand up and say “bring on the pain,” because I value the end result. I’m not sure that’s even the point. But I do know that it gives me courage in the face of upcoming hard times (you know, like 5 years of residency.)  And it also challenges me to value the good times. Jesus was very present during the hard times. What a shame if I don’t let Him be during the good times. 

I wouldn’t trade those times for anything.

On a less serious note, I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s/President’s Day Weekend/Holiday! 

This is what you do Valentine’s week when you have creative friends.  Please note that I won the award for the “more icing on a cookie than previously thought possible.” Or would have, had there been such an award.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom 8:28 NKJV