The lessons in life worth learning are costly. Pain cuts deeply into the bedrock of our soul, and we are left with two options. We can scramble to numb the pain ourselves (this doesn't work for long) or we can run into God's arms. When deep pain is met with brokenness and dependence on Him, that carved-out place in our souls becomes the very vessel into which joy can flow as we are healed. Could it be that deep joy is not even possible without first experiencing deep pain? As we long for restoration, we come to treasure each taste of wholeness. Pain and disappointment usher us to the place where we can sit in God's presence - - hungry for Him to feed our souls, thirsty for living water. And of Him it is said ...

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Cor 1:3-4)