A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor
– English proverb
It’s funny. I hear it so many times during talks and shares: there are so many struggles in our service. But the thing is, there isn’t. Most days there aren’t. Most days I am so happy and joyful in my service. But a few days before any large event? Bam. Struggles. Spiritual warfare. Angry words and frustrated texts and sleepless nights.
But what’s beautiful that we continually serve more events. We continually ask for these hardships. As a community we are not content to remain where we are. We strive to grow. We strive to be better. We endure all the hardships thrown at us. We tread the treacherous water, almost drowning, until we reach shore. Because when we reach it, we are better.
It will never be sitting and listening to talks that makes us better leaders. They may inspire us. They may educate us. But if we sit around and do nothing about it, it is useless. It is lost. It is stuck on a ship that never made it to shore. We need to bring the truths we learn to others. And the hardships will bear down on us like waves. But if you fight it? If you choose to sail through the storm? What an amazing sailor you will be.