Bring it on.

"My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, sot hat you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

(James 1:2-4)

Basketball has been my favorite sport to play for a long, long time. I played a lot of different sports growing up, but basketball was the one that I played the most. I remember how challenging high school basketball practices were. Lots and LOTS of running. Which brought on heavy breathing, dry mouth, sore legs (& lungs!), etc. Our coaches worked us hard in practice though so we'd be able to keep and and withstand a strenuous game. It was all worth it in the need (though I'd rarely think so during practice!).

The author of James reminds his readers to not be discouraged when hard times and trials come. In fact, he says to "consider it JOY!" Seriously? Joy?!? Yes, because trials challenge our faith and lead to endurance... which, over time, helps us grow to be "mature and complete, lacking in nothing." It helps our "faith muscles" grow and stretch... so as more challenges in life arise (and they WILL, that's just part of being human), we'll be better able to endure.

It's a contrarian way of thinking, isn't it? To consider the stress, trouble, drama, and challenges of life as something that should elicit JOY! But when we do, we grow in our ability to endure. And as we endure, we mature.

So bring it on, world... bring it on.