Thankful

"While I was praying for you, in a sense, I was thankful for the season you're in - thankful that the sufferings of this world are never just "suffering" but instead "suffering unto glory." They're neither purposeless nor hopeless. They have a direction, and that direction is Christ. I really can't imagine what you're going through, especially while so far from your PA spiritual community, but one thing I am certain of is the incomparable beauty of the intimacy that you are/will experience with Christ. I wanted that to be an encouragement for you...one grounded in reality, not of abstract terms, that though none of us can give you a solution, although we'd love to end all the pain and sadness within you, Christ is your perfect peace in the storm." 

A snippet of an email sent by a beloved sister. I thank God for these sisters who point me to Christ, my perfect peace. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness that is evident in these friendships. Thank you for your provisions that are plentiful in the desert.