Insight

Insight

What did I learn this week? Where did the week go? I look back over the last few weeks and wonder where the time goes? My assistant and I brainstormed how we can better track all the conversations that we have with soldiers so that we can determine what needs are the highest priority and then to plan purposeful self help skill based training to help soldiers and their families to help themselves in their time of need. We struggled to remember the many conversations but as we reflected on the people, memories started flowing back. At this time it dons on me, that something I use as a powerful tool to build spirituality could help with my data problem and also my own spirituality.

What, you ask, is this great tool? Journaling.

Often when I talk with people struggling in their faith, depression or discouragement, our conversation reveals great and small miracles that God has performed to carry each of us on our individual journey of growth. Problem is, we forget too easily, how God helps us each day. We let challenges, trials and pain outshine the growth that comes from those trying times in life. Growth from the pain and trials is the key to understanding why God allows “bad” things to happen. Just like when we are on a rest cycle from strength training we aren’t growing stronger we are preparing for the next difficult work out. Those who are serious about growing keep tabs on what helps them grow the most. Journaling. Generally, the greatest growth comes from our most challenging workouts.

Listening to my soldiers share their most challenging moments in life always leads to the growth question. What got you through that experience? Then comes the string of “coincidences/good luck”, blessings/miracles that God has sent to carry them through the challenge.

Surprisingly we all seem to have very short memories. Because of this propensity to forget I suggest that we all take the time to journal the miracles that affirm our faith. When we acknowledge His hand in our lives and those around us we confirm and strengthen our testimony of the saving grace of Jesus. Imagine if Peter or the other Apostles hadn’t written down their experiences. We wouldn’t know of the fear overcome by Peter when he took a leap of faith and stepped onto the water to join Jesus. We wouldn’t know of the power of a Savior that can get us to walk on water, but when we start to fall and waiver, He is there hand outstretched ready to save us when we need it. Those written down experiences are our lifeline (the Savior reaching out to us) in our time of need. They help us recall the goodness of God and the assurance that He will save us from our most fearful challenges. These entries also turn into a record of our faith journey and a testament to our posterity of our guided journey of growth as we build our faith one challenging trial at a time.