Sometimes, we have to work through the mess. Once again this year, I am participating in Inktober, a challenge created by artist Jake Parker to crest one ink drawing a day for the month of October. My first year was 2016, and the process was helpful in strengthening my drawing skills. This year, I am a little behind, but enjoying the process.

Day one of this year went much better than expected. I was thrilled to see how well my first project came together. It was not, however, a harbinger of what was yet to come. The second day came with the prompt “tranquil.” With a great vision for a fishing boat resting on still water, I worked for an hour only to end up with something that simply wasn’t going to work. It was hard to start over, but the result was worth it. I went in a new direction and ended with something I was very happy with.

On the third day, I started with an ambitious project that had to be cut short, and day four things fell apart. The drawing was a simple cup of coffee with latte art. Two attempts later, it was just plain bad. It was extremely hard to post that one online, but that is part of the challenge.

Reflecting on the process so far this year, I am increasingly aware of how much it represents all of life. Sometimes, things go the way we expect. Sometimes, things exceed our hopes, and then there are the times when things become a mess. The messy moments can steal our joy and derail our passion. When things go awry, we begin to doubt and we are tempted to give up, but that is precisely the time we need to keep moving and work through the mess.

In the midst of the struggle, we cannot allow self-doubt, fear, or any other negative emotion to steal our hope and our faith. When things get messy, we work through the mess until we see the possibilities. Even what seems like failure is a learning experience that helps us see with new eyes, and develop new strategies. The messy moments are training ground, opportunities to learn and grow stronger.

It is hard to have that perspective when things are not working out. In those times, I often find myself echoing the classic prayer from the Gospels, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” Then, it is time to keep moving forward, through the mess to the beauty God is creating.

I have a good friend who, when I tell her I am going through something, always says, “Thank God!” When I mentioned that was not the response I expected she said, “Well, I am glad you are going through. Don’t stop. God is bringing you through to something better.” I confess that is not always easy to receive, but, so far, it has always proven to be true.

So, when the mess arrives, give thanks. Rejoice that you are not alone, that God is bringing you through, and that God is creating something beautiful in and through you.