Hidden Opportunities for Joy

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds  for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing". (James 1:2-4 (E.S.V)

Motivation to achieve more in our lives comes from deep within us, and often this motivation is brought alive by adversity.

"When a mother eagle builds her nest she starts with thorns, broken branches, sharp rocks, and a number of other items that seem entirely unsuitable for the project. But then she lines the nest with a thick padding of wool, feathers, and fur from animals she has killed, making it soft and comfortable for the eggs. By the time the growing birds reach flying age, the comfort of the nest and the luxury of free meals makes them quite reluctant to leave. That's when the mother eagle begins stirring up the nest. With her strong talons she begins pulling up the thick carpet of fur and feathers, bringing the sharp rocks and branches to the surface. As more of the bedding gets plucked up, the nest becomes more uncomfortable for the young eagles. Eventually, this and other urgings prompt the growing eagles to leave their once-comfortable abode and move on to more mature behavior".

Are there thorns in your life? They may be painful but your attitude should be positive and full of overcoming faith as you move on. It can be a step to the hilarious joy of  a different consciousness; which like flying which can only be achieved by  moving out of your comfortable nest.

God does not enjoy our pain, but he wants us to grow free of the clutches that hinder our maturity.

“The mother eagle teachers her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they are forced to leave it and commit themselves to the unknown world of air outside. An just so does our God to us.” Hannah Whitall Smith