There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning.

Long story short- it's been a very difficult week for me. Actually, I might even have to say it's been the hardest week I may have ever endured. (On that note though, I can count my blessings because I realize just how easy my "hard" week probably looks to a lot of others.) I came across this poem by Amy Carmichael on the internet though, and was deeply comforted. Our God knows what's best for us. He makes ALL things work together for our good. Though there may be pain in the night, JOY COMES IN THE MORNING. This pain and struggle that I'm fighting is trivial in comparison to the plans the Lord has for me to come.

Our Father knows what's best for us, so why should we complain?
We always want the sunshine, but he knows there must be rain.
We love the sound of laughter and the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness if we never shed a tear.
For growing trees are strengthened when they withstand the storm,
And the sharp cut of the chisel gives the diamond grace and form.
God never hurts us needlessly, and he never wastes our pain,
For every loss he sends to us is followed by rich gain.
And when we count the blessings that God so freely sent,
We'll find no cause for murmuring, and no time to lament.
For our Father loves his children, and to him all things are plain,
So he never sends us pleasure when the soul's deep need is pain.
So whenever we are troubled, and when everything goes wrong,
We know God's working in our hearts, to make our spirit strong.

-Amy Carmichael