My precious friend, Edie Melson, provides today’s quote — as in,
these are her words — as well giving us a glimpse into her perspective on life and embracing the journey.
Edie Melson is a freelance writer and editor with years of experience in the publishing industry. She’s a prolific writer, and has a popular writing blog, The Write Conversation. She’s the co-director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, as well as a popular faculty member at numerous others. She currently has two books available, the best selling eBook, Social Media Marketing for Writers, and her latest project, a devotional for those with family members in the military, Fighting Fear: Winning the War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle. Married 30 years to her high school sweetheart, Kirk, they have raised three sons.
“I wouldn’t choose it…but I wouldn’t change it.” ~Edie Melson, author
Those words signified a foundational shift in my attitude towards life.
I used to rail against the circumstances surrounding me. I’d shake a metaphorical fist at Heaven and demand to know why I was forced into difficulties. But enduring those hard times has brought me to a place of peace and perspective. Time and again I’ve been able to be a voice of hope to others enduring similar trials, and I’ve come to realize I wouldn’t be who I am today without those times of tempering. So I invite you join me, and embrace the journey.
In Your Words: Have you come to a point in your life when you can say, “I wouldn’t choose it … but I wouldn’t change it”? I’d love for you to join today’s conversation.
I’m visiting with my friend & fellow writer, Sarah Forgrave today, as well as another writing buddy, Casey Herringshaw! Please stop by!
Comments 16
Absolutely. Scripture tells us that we are to “comfort others with the comfort with which we have been comforted”… it’s an humbling privilege when God uses me in that way. And when I’m walking a difficult path I wouldn’t choose on my own, I certainly wouldn’t change the sweetness of God’s power, presence, and provision that I experience on that journey.
Good morning, Patricia! I’ll see you today at Blue Ridge! Thanks for joining the conversation here too. 🙂
I’d like to think I can… but only with God’s help. It has been His strength that has gotten me through some difficult times. And it has been during those times that I have learned how worthy of our trust He is!
Agreed, Kathy. Agreed.
I’m coming to that point in my life where I embrace Edie’s truth. It’s easier in the short term to rant and rave over unfair or difficult circumstances, but there are peace and joy to be found in resting in the Lord through them.
Short term versus long run … perspective makes a difference.
This is gold. And so true. I’ve crashed up against this. And lived through it, yes.
~ Wendy
Wendy,
Yes, Edie’s perspective is gold. Learning to live it out turns us into gold.
I’m not sure I could actually say I wouldn’t CHANGE what happened, but I do know I wouldn’t change the results…me and God, getting close.
Have fun at your conference, Beth!
Embracing this truth is challenging, Lindsay — agreed.
And sometimes I would change what happened if I could … but not the results.
I can totally relate. I’ve endured the pain of being betrayed and rejected by my birth family. It was a horrible experience to live through, but it’s given me perspective that has seasoned my life with compassion. I spoke to a MOPS group once about rejection, and the reaction of one young mother made my experience worth it. I provided her comfort and hope that I wouldn’t otherwise have known if not for my rejection. God knows why our lives drift in a certain direction. Although it seems tragic at first, we come out the other side of the experience better people — IF we follow God’s wisdom.
Such wisdom, Megan — and such empathy and wisdom you were able to share!
I love Edie’s thought process. I wouldn’t change the darkest time in my life, but that darkness was necessary for God’s light to shine. Our choices come with consequences. Sometimes those consequences bring about necessary changes. Have fun at Blue Ridge!
I love Edie’s perspective too, LJ. She’s a wise woman.
More than once. Now when vice-grip times happen, I’m learning to pray, take a deep breath, and imagine what better thing God is going to bring the situation to on the other side–and though it may take a while, that does keep happening.
I like the way you look at life, Dee.