Pressure

 “Faith, for me, isn't an argument, a catechism, a philosophical “proof.” It is instead a lens, a way of experiencing life, and a willingness to act.”

― Sara Miles, Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion

Every 4- 6 months I take Peanut to the orthodontist.

Each time, for the last two years, they've said the same thing.

"Definitely needs braces. But not yet."

This past week we went, and out of habit, I think she and I were both expecting another "not yet" experience.

When instead we learned, "yet" had finally arrived.

Peanut asked the kind employee "Will they hurt?"

A common question I'm sure.

She was truthful in answering "yes, yes it will hurt. But, you will get used to it and in time it will hurt less."

I let Peanut make this choice.

Many people go through life with an overbite and crooked teeth. Not the end of the world.

If you CHOOSE to change this, it will be UNCOMFORTABLE.

I reminded Peanut that she can do hard things BUT she has to want to.

As I sat in the waiting room while the tech put her new braces on, I thought about that question.

"Will it hurt?"

How many times would I have declined something if I had known that in fact, not only yes it would hurt, but it might be the most painful season ever?

My first year of teaching?

Worst year ever at the time. Some definite bright spots, but in general those children, and the admin, ate me alive. I was woefully unprepared for both. Did it hurt? Most definitely.

Marriage?

Goodness the things you promise when you are young and hopeful? Again, I was likely woefully unprepared. I had never experienced marriage done well. No idea what that looked like. Have I experienced emotional hurts in the 24 years? Most definitely.

Parenthood?

Has parenting been unbelievable hard? Has it hurt to give so much and feel like you receive so little? Most definitely.

Religion?

Has developing a relationship with Jesus DESPITE religious folks influence been hard? Most definitely. We are not presenting the gospel in a way that is congruent with "what would Jesus do?" most days in many places.

If I had known how hard all the major things in my life would be, if someone had said "Hey this will be hard" - would I have still chosen them?

The thing about growth is that it's uncomfortable.

We are moving Peanut's teeth and jaw. Shifting it all.

That doesn't happen without a little pressure.

And pressure feels uncomfortable.

Pressure, discomfort, that's a sign of growth.

Each time Peanut complains about how her mouth hurts, we try some of the strategies on the list from the orthodontist and we remind ourself "growth is uncomfortable."

I'm thankful for each of my growing seasons. Teaching, marriage, parenthood, faith - those have all been hard earned, hard fought for, hard seasons.

But they have absolutely been worth it.

I'm a better teacher, wife, mother, and follower of Christ for each of those. For all of those.

Mama Warriors, in order for our kids to grow - they have to be able to be uncomfortable.

We can't follow them around stopping the uncomfortable from happening.

We have to allow the uncomfortable or we stop the growth.

One of the best ways to do this is to model our own uncomfortable growing seasons.

Say out loud "Gosh, this is hard but I can do hard things."

Growth doesn't come without a little pressure.