There are days when I look at my stretch marks and wish them away. It would be nice to wear a cuter bathing suit, or a hipper pair of jeans. I know it’s all about vanity, but I am human, and a woman…can’t help those moments. But these marks are here to stay, and I just have to accept them. After all, they are a physical reminder of growth. A time when my life changed and I became a mother.
Many of us have gone through a rapid stage of growth and have stretch marks that show this rapid transformation. They are that eternal reminder of a time where we experienced discomfort and even pain.
A time where we changed forever.
Some of our marks of growth are more hidden. They are hiding under a changed person. Maybe this time of growth taught us to be kinder, more patient, more loving…and more forgiving.
When we go through times of rapid change, and pain is involved, there are always scars. Some of us wear these scars like scabs, and we pick at them and make them bleed over and over again. We don’t let them heal. And they don’t end up being lessons that help us grow in life. They become fodder for bitterness and despair. For others those scars are just a reminder of what has happened and we see them as a badge of honor, something that we have overcome, and changed through.
Times of spiritual and mental growth also leave a lasting reminders/marks. When we open ourselves up to new ideas and new purpose, there are often painful lessons to learn along the way. All growth needs a bit stretching. Sometimes this growth brings pain and discomfort…and sometimes it just seems to happen without noticing.
For me personally, growth involves a lot of discomfort. I am stubborn and a little too confident in my opinions and knowledge. So, obviously, when I need to grow and stretch, I fight it every step of the way. You would think that after so many years of resisting growth, I would just surrender, right? No…kicking and screaming and moaning and complaining…that’s what God has to listen to!!
It is a real blessing to have people in my life that help the process along. I am loved, stretch marks and all. Staying accountable to someone isn’t always pleasant, especially when one doesn’t want to be reminded of ones flaws…but it is important to have this. It helps the growth to go in the right direction. It keeps pride in check, and the facts straight.
The Word of God has all the information we need in our growth…
“By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. Festoon me with your finest sayings, God; teach me your holy rules. My life is as close as my own hands, but I don’t forget what you have revealed. The wicked do their best to throw me off track, but I don’t swerve an inch from your course. I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever— what a gift! And how happy it makes me! I concentrate on doing exactly what you say— I always have and always will.” (Psalm 119:105-112 MSG)
pic from pinterest 🙂