Above The Line Article:
"Lean into your
Afflictions"
By Erik Carlson
My ‘aha’ moment came in June of this year when
our family went to ‘Joni and Friends Camp,’
which is a week-long camp in the Redwood forest in the Santa
Cruz mountains. For one week, families with children that
have special needs gather for what they call a ‘slice
of heaven.’ It truly is.
I don’t know how to describe the experience, but
whether it’s singing, playing, entertaining (I did
a couple magic shows and talks), worshipping, square dancing,
or any other activity, one cannot help but be moved to tears
seeing these kids and adults fully engage in living. Afflictions
range from quadriplegics/paraplegics, Cerebral Palsy, Autism,
Spina Bifida, and more; as well as typical family members.
As I experienced this camp, I reflected on my message/theme,
which has always been that we can experience F.U.N. on purpose;
a life above the line, despite our circumstances. But, as
my grandmother used to say, that’s easy to say on
a full stomach. In other words, I felt like my personal
afflictions could never be as bad as what these kids go
through on a day-to-day basis. Some kids sob on the last
day because they don’t want to go back to life-as-usual.
They can’t take a break from the group home or the
wheelchair, even for a day.
I always believed, and still do, that our trials, no matter
how painful, pass through the permissive hands of God. He
doesn’t wish them, but He allows them. But I never
knew why. I never had an answer. Then it hit me. The trials
I go through are as real to me (and yours are to you), as
the wheelchair is to the spinal cord trauma boy. God does
care for what each of us are going through, and here’s
where my ‘a-ha’ moment came. The guest pastor
at the camp spoke on a little passage from the book of Romans
in the New Testament (Romans chapter 5, verses 3-5). The
verses read like this:
| “…we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character, and character, hope. And hope
does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his
love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has
given us.” Romans 5:3-5 |
As Pastor Dale put it, this verse is another way of saying
that we NEED trials to help make us more like Christ, or
to be the best versions of ourselves. We cannot cut corners
on this. We cannot say, “This year I’m going
to be the best Erik I can be,” without going through,
and coming out stronger from these tough experiences. It
doesn’t happen from going to Disneyland, or winning
awards.
That is why, this year, I came up with a ‘mantra.’
Whenever I felt overwhelmed by my circumstances, I would
say under my breath, or even out loud, “Lean into
it”… or “Lean into the sufferings.”
I was telling myself not to run. Not to escape. Addictions
and destructive behavior only stop us from reaching this
‘better version of ourselves’ that leaning into
our sufferings will offer us.
And most of all… remember you are not alone. We are
all in this together. We are iron for each other. We can
sharpen each other. This is where true growth comes from.
This is how we better our relationship with our Savior.
So I hope you take these words not as a lecture, but as
a journey that I am learning. I’m not perfect in this.
It’s not easy, but it’s the best way. Thank
you for being on this amazing journey with me… I cherish
you!
|
