Hi! I’m Ashley Mays. The following post first appeared in my monthly newsletter, Inbox Confetti. It’s a celebration of strength, dignity, and laughter for your inbox. Subscribe to join the celebration!
When I was a kid I asked my mom why adults never seemed to get as excited about presents the same way kids did. She said that as we grow up sometimes we discover we enjoy receiving things we can’t hold more than getting new stuff. I was shocked. I didn’t believe her.
Now as a full-fledged adult, I 100% agree with my mom. The gifts I treasure now aren’t often things that can be bought. As I grew up, I gained a new perspective.
When we’re facing a big challenge, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Just like I couldn’t imagine a day would come when I’d enjoy receiving a gift like spending time with loved ones over a gift like a new pair of rollerblades, we struggle to imagine ourselves on the victory side of our struggles. But there is hope. Just as we grow up little by little, we can take on our challenges little by little. Over time and with effort, we grow. We gain perspective and greater resilience.
Even if we can’t imagine the whats or hows of overcoming right now, there will be a day when we look back and realize how far we’ve come.
Love always.
Author Ashley Mays writes contemporary fiction for fierce young women of faith. Her mom was a librarian, so she literally grew up surrounded by books and creativity. Want to know more? Sign up to receive Inbox Confetti, follow her on Instagram, or send her a note if you have something to share.