Dear Friend,
I hope you read this as a letter as something personal from me to you.
In our quest for exceptionality, one thing is certain – pain. The pain of losing out on some friends because they do not understand you; the pain of being labelled; the pain of being mocked and jeered at, etc.
One thing I have come to realise, however, is that pain, sometimes, is necessary. Tag it a necessary evil. Ever heard of the saying “No pain, no gain”? It’s so true! Athletes can testify to this. The amount of work they have to put in at the gym just to be fit; the amount of pain they have to go through so they can become the very best at their career; it’s just a whole lot.
The story of the butterfly is one that I love so much and explains exactly what I’m trying to communicate to you.
As a caterpillar, the butterfly has to go through some sort of struggle in the cocoon before it can grow into the beautiful butterfly that we all admire. However, in that struggle, it goes through pain. In the midst of that pain, the butterfly passes the needed fluid to its entire body so it can ultimately grow and be able to fly.
Sometimes, my friend, that pain you go through is needed so you can grow, evolve, and become as beautiful as the butterfly. Don’t try to run from it. Embrace it.
When going through this phase of pain, I suggest you do the following:
1. Remember
The Psalmist said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits.” It means that while going through this phase, it’s easy to forget the benefits of God. However, when you choose to remember all He has done, gratitude surges through you and helps you through this phase.
2. Have a big picture thinking
Life is in phases, and in each phase, necessary lessons must be learnt so as to move on to the next phase. It is important that you think beyond the now. This will give you perspective and also give you staying power!
3. Count your blessings
I once listened to a radio programme and the presenter asked that we write 50 things we are grateful for. This exercise is one that’s mind shifting. It changes everything you think of at that point in time. By counting your blessings and the things you are grateful for, you are able to focus on the things that are important and you begin to worry less.
4. Learn the right lessons
As I have said earlier that pain is such a necessary evil, it’s important that you, my friend, learn the right lessons during this phase. Instead of asking “Why me?” Ask “What am I to learn in this phase?”. This changes your perspective about the phase.
5. Someone understands
One of the things that happen when we go through this phase is to feel so overwhelmed and begin to isolate ourselves, thinking that no one understands. This is not true.
The Bible says we have a High Priest who is touched by our feelings, and he knows exactly what we are going through. If anyone at all understands, that one person is Jesus. And the best part is, he is there with you all the way, holding you by your right hand and leading you through the valley into the promised land.
Dear friend,
Even our Lord Jesus Christ had to go through excruciating pain before he could lay hold of the glory.
This is what we do: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
I’m rooting for you, dear friend.
It is my hope and prayer that you come out of this phase and be that exceptional person God has created you to be.
Love and Light!
Solomon Eneojo
What’s your perspective on pain and how it helps you navigate through life?
Teens Meet Outreach 