The Bumpiest of Blessings

Hello Sweet Friends,

My plan for this post was, to delve into the power of imagination, especially when combined with feeling expression and art. But, if you know me at all, you know things don’t always go as planned. So, instead of elaborating on that subject, I will be saving that post for next time. If all goes well…😉

So now for the steep curve into today’s topic. Hold onto the reins because here we go. Today I'm going to discuss blessings, more specifically, Buttery and Bumpy Blessings. As most of you have probably realized, the new year is upon us and with every new year comes much potential. Potential for self-reflection, planning (even if plans fail…ughmm :), learning, growth and change. All of this happens amidst a plethora of blessings. Blessings that are, by nature, unpredictable and fashioned with an array of fragrant feelings.

When we think of the word blessing, we often think of the buttery ones. You know the kind. The uplifting, eyes to the sky, happy tears swirling, butterflies bouncing in the belly and a boisterous smile shimmering between the cheeks. These most joyous blessings, often characterized by charm and serendipity, are known for their creaminess and comfort. But they aren’t the only ways God blesses His children. Over these past few months, I’ve learned blessings aren't always buttery. There are also those that are very bumpy and, at first glance, often don’t appear to be blessings at all.

Let’s examine these two kinds of blessings with our imaginations for a moment, shall we?

First, we have the Buttery Blessings. These are the blessings many of us seek. They are also those that are most fashionable in today’s society. They arrive with grandeur, full of beams, pulsating giggles and the brightest of shine. Their faces are warm and welcoming. Their hair perfectly placed and their figure, a smooth, soothing sight for all who meet them. Their voices are soft, loving, gentle and kind. And their presence, inviting and cozy. A world full of only these kinds of blessings will be quite a sight to see. But, while we are on this fallen earth, I believe we desperately need a different kind of blessing, even more than the buttery ones.

We all need the bumpiest of blessings. These blessings are the ones we fear most. The ones that come dressed in extreme sorrow, defeat, disappointment, heartbreak and even shame. These miserable creatures thrive amongst the hardest of trials. They often arrive unannounced, uninvited and with a bad attitude. Their twisted hair and daunting forms can, sometimes, conceal their disheveled beings, deceptively organizing an inner chaos that can easily become contagious. Their controlling mannerisms and abrasive tones poke and prod at you, hoping to cause a suffering stir. They indulge themselves on the harshest of feelings and, at times, resemble nightmarish, burly monsters with a distinct, overwhelming grip. Their gut-wrenching presence, often undeniable, is the worst of all, as they play in your pain and push you to your limits.

How can these monstrous moments be a blessing? If you’re asking this question. You are not alone. It seems very contradictory, doesn't it? Upside down, more likely.

But these bumpy blessings are some of our most valuable because they shape us into the people God intended for us to become. While, yes, they are excruciating in every sense of the word, their darkness brings with it, a magnificent light. A light needed for nurturing a growing seed of faith. A light which casts a beautiful ray on the most hopeless of circumstances.

Let’s take a look at God’s Word for deeper understanding. Afterall, His Word is the best guide, especially when it comes to this type of blessing. One of my most favorite Bible verses and the verse that’s been my theme over the past few months, goes like this…

And He said to me “My grace is sufficient for you, My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NKJV).

God works in our weaknesses. In our sufferings, we are strengthened. We may feel weak amongst the trials we face but in Him we are always strong. Sometimes it takes getting over the bumps to see their true value but once we do, it becomes evident that the bumps themselves are, in fact, gifts to be cherished.

Here’s another Bible verse, I believe speaks to the real need for suffering.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love (1 Peter 1: 6-8, NKJV).

These bumpy blessings are like the fire that purifies gold. It is in these moments when our spirits are suffering that our faith is perfected. We are refined and complete in Christ when we suffer.

James reiterates this point when he says, my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4, NKJV).

And one more...I know it’s a lot but it’s too important to leave out.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NKJV).

The Apostle Paul reminds the church at Corinth that our sufferings are both temporary and are changing us for God’s glory. With eyes fastened on Jesus, we can find peace in the chaos, focusing on the eternal promise of the life to come instead of the temporal pain of the here and now.

Like many of you, I saw the bumpy blessings, as something to be dreaded. Moments in time that I wouldn't have chosen to experience. I used to look at the bumps and think those are just unfortunate, unfair and insufferable circumstances. I gazed upon unhinged grief and saw nothing but inexplicable, unwarranted pain for which I could not see a purpose. But when I took a step back and broadened my view, a different portrait emerged. A life-changing, life-giving, perfectly painted portrait planned by God. Every blessing God gives us has a purpose, no matter the feelings that follow. In truth, as it is gorgeously stated in the Bible, we should all desire to suffer, as Christ suffered. For without His suffering, we wouldn’t have the blessing of eternal life and without our suffering, we wouldn’t see our need for Him.

You may be in the bumpiest of places surrounded by some of the meanest looking faces, right now. If so, I understand where you are and pray that you find peace. A divine peace only found in the presence of our God. My hope is that you remember, you are perfectly situated in the middle of one of the biggest blessings, capable of refining your faith, implanting wisdom in your mind and transforming your soul.

Next time you are gifted a bumpy blessing, take a step back, breathe, pray, rejoice, and most importantly praise Jesus. Because where there’s a bumpy blessing, a buttery one will one day flourish and you will be reformed, molded into the person you were destined to become.

Until next time,

Christina

 After thought of the post:

May we parent our little minds in a way that always encourages an eternal perspective. One in which we passionately model a heart of gratitude, a focus on prayer and a need for God’s presence. Thereby remaining in a place of peace that surpasses all understanding, no matter how many bumps we face in this life

(Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV).

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps... (1 Peter 2:21, NKJV).

***Even though I am an independently licensed social worker, none of the information provided to you in this blog, within my books or on my website is professional advice, diagnosis or treatment of any kind. These posts are strictly providing general information/education and are not substitutes for professional help. If you find yourself concerned about you or your child's mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified mental health provider. All views expressed in this blog are personal and not representative of the social work profession.***

References:

Scripture taken from the New King James Version ®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All written content @2026 by Christina Retherford. All rights reserved. Graphics created using Wix media/Unsplash Images.