Blessings In The Closed Doors | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Blessings In The Closed Doors

There's gratitude in disappointment.

107
Blessings In The Closed Doors
Emily Wood

The 4th Thursday of November ushers in a wave of thankfulness. In the spirit of thanksgiving, our gratitude overflows. When blessings abound, we give thanks for all we have, but what about the things that we did not receive? The missed opportunities. The “no’s.” The unanswered prayers. The disappointments. We try so hard to push these things far from our mind during this season of gratitude. Doing so is a disservice to us because our greatest blessings are oftentimes born of our disappointment. C.S. Lewis says that “failures are fingerposts on the road to achievement.”

Looking back, I remember so many things that I wanted but did not receive. Little did I know that something much greater was in store. I see disappointments that turned into a time of growth and much-needed renewal.

Closed doors often lead us to the better path. Some of our greatest seasons emerge from the lowest valleys. Our mountaintop moments often come after a trek through unpleasant difficulty.

Our finite minds cannot grasp the “why” behind our circumstances, but we can rest in knowing the One who determines our future. Withholding the “good,” He prepares us for something much greater. Laura Story sings that “what if the trials of this life / the rain, the storms, the hardest nights, / are Your mercies in disguise?”

What seemed so difficult and trying in the moment became a blessing. We will one day view our current struggles and see a “mercy in disguise.”

Romans 8:28 says that “God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His Purpose.”

As a loving Father, He withholds certain things from His children out of love and compassion.

In this season, I am thankful for what I did not receive.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

129589
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

29545
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

27320
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments