We’ve all had those passing conversations in customer service. You ask someone how they’re doing, and the standard response rolls out
“Well, I’m above ground, so I can’t complain!”
It’s a fine sentiment, but recently, a customer dropped a phrase on me that completely shifted my perspective. They looked at me and said, “I’m blessed to be stressed.”
At first, it just sounds like a catchy little rhyme. But as I let it sit with me, it started digging deeper.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how the Bible describes our relationship with God. He isn’t just some distant creator watching from a galaxy away; He considers us His children. And just like any good father, He doesn’t just let us run wild into danger. When we start drifting out of line, life happens. He throws up a roadblock, or gives us a gentle—sometimes uncomfortable—nudge back onto the path we are supposed to walk.
It made me think of Hebrews 12:6-7″For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?”
Sometimes we hit seasons of stress, chaos, or things completely out of our control. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by it. But what if that friction is just our Heavenly Father preparing us for the next step? What if the stress is actually a sign of His protection, molding us so we can handle what’s coming next?
I look at my own life, and I won’t pretend it’s been easy. I’ve been through my fair share of heavy heartache and deep pain. But through it all, I’ve also been allowed to see and experience so many incredibly beautiful things. In the end, so much of this journey comes down to your perspective—the lens through which you choose to look at life.
I see it every single day with my own child. As a parent, it is my absolute responsibility to raise him with knowledge. To teach him to know God—not just know “about” Him, but to truly know Him in a deep, biblical sense. It’s my job to protect him from the things he can’t see, and to instill in him the values, grit, and faith that will help him not just survive this world, but truly thrive in it.
If I love my son enough to guide him through the hard, stressful lessons of growing up, how much more does God love us?
So yeah. Life is chaotic, the days are short, and the pressure is real. But along with my million other daily blessings, I can look at the chaos and smile. Because if I’m feeling the nudge, it means I belong to Him.
Some days, I am very much blessed to be stressed.
Today's pen is tomorrows pages 