There are things in the world, well, that you can just count on.  The sun will likely rise tomorrow, you’ll pay taxes, you’ll have a million amazing moments in your life, and, you’ll face disappointment.

I’ve recently ended a relationship.

It was a volunteer opportunity and it along the way has provided me with many beautiful things. I was given the space to learn more about myself, people around me and perhaps the human condition in general.  It also taught me the world is an imperfect place. Of course, I know this to be true.  That said, when disappointment happens where AND when you don’t expect it… there is a stronger than usual sting associated with it.

It’s not the dull “oh this again” type of pain you feel when that one person let you down again.  The pain you’re familiar with because you’ve felt it before and it’s likely you’ll feel it again.  No this pain is different.  It’s a sting and pain that cuts to the core and you’re just certain you’ll never hurt as much ever again.

Truth.

I am having a tough tough time with this break-up.  I overall believe in the mission, I love  most of the humans I’ve been connected with. I think, that’s why it just hurts so much. It was just the sort of sucker punch I never expected.

More truth.

My heart will heal, and my disappointment while painful will dissipate and ache less in the coming days.  And I have learned another set of valuable life lessons to carry with me as I travel my road.  I will choose to continue to support causes and missions I believe in, knowing there can be or is risk involved.  Disappointment can and may strike at anytime, and I am strong in heart, convicted in faith and committed to NOT letting disappointment change me in ways that don’t represent the person I know myself to be.

How about seeing life’s disappointments as God’s appointments and as being according to His purposes? Take the psalmist’s advice and “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:20). If you insist on carrying around your own burdens and disappointments, it will be a heavy load indeed and you’ll have to carry around with you the weight of the world and that’s going to be difficult since we were never created to carry such loads. This is exactly why Jesus commands us all to “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt 11:28-30).

Thank you to Jack Wellman from Mulvane Brethren Church in Mulvane, KS and patheos.com  for the reminder.