Yesterday was fantastic. It was a precious day off after working two long weekend shifts. Surprisingly, I woke feeling rested, inspired, and energized. I was able to do a full workout, run hours worth of errands, cooked a big supper for my husband, had some creative time … every, single thing on my Monday wish list had been accomplished. And I even still felt good at the end of it! This was a very rare day, indeed. I went to sleep with a thankful smile on my face.

Strangely, though, instead of that happy feeling lingering into today, I woke with a bittersweet aftertaste from it. This surprised me. My Monday may sound like just a normal day for most people, but yesterday’s accomplishments were truly extraordinary for the life I live now – I can’t usually do that much in one day. It made me feel so happy to have a day like that again.

The thing is, though, yesterday also brought back memories of the old Debi … the one in the picture … the “before Lupus Debi”.

She was the strong, energetic one who was usually covered in dirt and sweat. Or covered in flour, happily cooking a giant meal for a crowd of her loves. It’s funny how I had almost forgotten about her. For some reason, though, yesterday reminded me.

Yesterday also reminded me that things change. The old ways evolve into the new ways. God puts things in our lives that may not feel good, but they are good. These things may not make us happy, but through them, he’s doing much more important work. He’s making us holy. He’s refining us. He’s teaching us to trust him. He’s teaching us to cling to his strength. He’s teaching us to be content. He’s preparing us for service. He’s giving us a story.

So, as we all know, some chapters are easier than others. As difficult as the hard parts can be, we have to surrender our story to him. We have to accept that his ways are higher than ours. We have to accept that, no matter where we were yesterday, this is where we are today. Through his immeasurable love for us, this is where he’s brought us. This is where we’re meant to be. And, because of that, where we are right now is beautiful.

So what do I do with my yesterday? Do I wallow in melancholy over that glimpse of the old Debi? Or do I look at yesterday through the eyes of the new Debi who now can clearly see the extraordinary in the ordinary?

Do I waste time in sadness if today doesn’t measure up to yesterday? Or do I accept today for what it is and focus on finding the beauty in it?

Do I waste time wondering why God allowed things to change so much, or do I spend time on my face in thanksgiving for the lessons he’s allowing me to learn through these changes?

We may not get to choose what happens to us, but we certainly can choose what we do with it.

Today, I’m choosing to just shake off my funk, and kick it straight to the curb. I’m choosing to let go of what’s behind, appreciate the beauty of whatever today will bring, and press on towards tomorrow – all while tucked safely in the arms of the one who loves me enough to write such a beautifully complicated story.

I don’t know what you’re dealing with today, but I pray you can find the beauty in it. Be encouraged. God loves you – this day is part of the beautiful and complicated story he’s writing just for you. Trust that there will be parts that won’t make you happy, but also trust that each struggle gives your story a beautiful purpose. Now you just have to decide what you’re going to do with it.

Thanks for growing with me.  

“… forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)