I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss something that is not often the topic of conversation, but must be mentioned from time to time.

Poop.

Yes, I really just wrote that. And, like I said, it’s not typically a hot topic at dinner parties unless you’re a member of the parent set, and only then if you a) have a newborn, or b) are in the throes of potty-training. I am including myself in that esteemed group, even though I am a grandparent, because I’m a caregiver three days a week of my potty-training grandson.

Truthfully, he took care of most of the training himself. We waited until he was really, truly ready and he took to it like a duck to water.

Well, at least to Number One, but he’s really not a fan of the next number.

He hates the impending signs that accompany said event. He would rather tell his body to put a sock in it when it starts shouting its signals. And when there is no other option but to let things, um, happen? He hates that sensation, too.

Until it’s over, that is.

Then he’s THRILLED with himself! He starts dancing, and singing the Potty Song!

“I did it, Mimmie! I feel GOOD!”

It’s amazing to me how often we are filled with dread or fear over a hard thing. Hard things are part of life. There is no way around them, but we live like we should be spared from them if God really loves us.

Here’s the thing: for all the good that we take in, we are left with some not so good that has to be eliminated. Sometimes that elimination involves walking through some struggles to make us feel better…to help us be better.

Welcome the hard things, folks. They actually improve our lives in the long run, which is why our loving God allows them as a normal function of life.

Like poop.

And that’s the truth, inconvenient, or not.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. ~ James 1:2-4 MSG