Have You Ever Been Tested?

A friend of mine who grew up in a very religious household told me once he didn’t know if believed in God. “How do I know I have faith if my faith has never been tested?” 

Months after enduring one of the most devastating tragedies a person could go through, we recalled that conversation. My friend looked up toward the sky and said, “When I said I hadn’t been tested, I wasn’t suggesting you send me such a difficult test!” 

Don’t worry, this blog post is not about God or His existence.

But that conversation stayed with me.

We all have moments in life when we feel as if we were being tested by something—whatever that something may be. 

If you’ve followed my work, then you know I’ve been teaching about How to “Be There Even When You’re Not,” for a long time.   

Even though I’m a huge believer in the principles behind this motto, I’m the mom who is always present. I’ve rearranged my career and life for the freedom to be that mom. 

Because I’m always “there”, I’ve often questioned whether I’m the right person to teach this concept. Maybe that’s why I never finished the book after my dad died.

But, The Tide Has Turned

Now I’m the one looking up and saying, “You didn’t have to test me this much!” 

My 11-year-old son is an actor. He just got hired for a very exciting acting project… in South Korea.

Yes,

South Korea…

as in…

the other side of the world. 

Due to COVID restrictions and the nature of the project, my son and I have to be in Korea for seven weeks. For the first time, my family, whom we lovingly refer to as “The Five Fingers,” will be apart for almost two months.

55 days, to be exact. 

Talk about being forced to practice what you preach! 

This is an opportunity of a lifetime — an experience that, without a doubt, will be incredible. But leaving my husband and two little boys for so long is very tough.

In a few short weeks, I’ll be navigating my family and business from a different country and a thirteen-hour time difference.

At such a young age, my son is already chasing his dreams and living a big life. But big dreams and a big life require big sacrifices and big decisions. 

I always say, “You’re in training for something bigger.”

It’s not that I believe everything happens for a reason — it’s more that everything that happens, happens. And if we pay attention, the things that happen give us the tools we’ll need later in life. 

My father showed me it was possible to live an unconventional life and still have meaningful relationships. Now it’s my turn to show my boys, and you, that it’s true. 

A Moment of Clarity

If you ever feel you’re being tested… whether it’s your courage, your character, or your capacity to do hard things… remember that life tests us all. You decide whether you will rise or crumble. Know that you can do hard things. It’s in doing those things you discover the tools you’ll need later in life.

As the author of Looking Over the Edge once wrote ☺️:

Pay attention… There are lessons here for you.