Life is a delicate balance between joy and hardship. Often, we find ourselves swinging between these two extremes—sometimes basking in moments of bliss, other times struggling through difficulties. Recently, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to “endure” versus “enjoy” and how these two experiences shape our lives.
The word “endure” comes from the prefix “en-,” meaning “in” or “within,” and “dure,” meaning “hard” or “severe.” To endure is to be “in the hard,” to feel immersed in struggle, stress, or challenge. It’s like standing in the thick of a storm, hoping for clearer skies but unsure when, or if, they’ll arrive.
At the moment, there are areas of my life that I feel I am enduring. I’m navigating challenges at work, and perhaps the most difficult part, enduring the absence of one of my daughters, who’s currently on a mission in Brazil. As a parent, that absence weighs heavily—it’s a quiet but persistent ache. And yet, as I think about the idea of “enduring,” I realize that these moments of being “in hard” are not just about survival. They’re about transformation.
But here’s the thought that struck me: What about the word “enjoy”? It also starts with that same prefix “en-,” meaning “in.” To enjoy is to be “in joy,” to live inside moments of happiness, fulfillment, and contentment. Doesn’t that sound more appealing than being “in hard”?
Of course! But could we truly appreciate joy if we never experienced the hard times?
When I look back on the most challenging periods of my life, those times when I felt scared, desperate, and unsure of how to move forward, I see something remarkable. Even though I was praying for those hardships to end, they brought growth and perspective that I would have never gained otherwise. Enduring those moments made joy feel richer, deeper, and more profound when it finally came.
I think this is a universal truth: the contrast between “hard” and “joy” makes joy more vibrant. When you’ve been through a storm, the sunshine feels warmer. The peace after chaos is more comforting. The joy after pain is more satisfying.
So, what’s the takeaway? We can’t avoid the “in hard” moments of life, nor should we wish them away entirely. They are the crucibles in which we’re refined, where we learn resilience, patience, and faith. And when we emerge on the other side, we can truly be “in joy” in a way that’s meaningful and lasting.
If you’re “in hard” right now, take heart—it won’t last forever. And when you find yourself “in joy,” savor it fully, knowing that your hard times made it all the more beautiful.
Are you “in joy” or “in hard” right now? Whichever place you find yourself in, know that both are part of the rhythm of life, each enriching the other in ways we may not always understand but will certainly appreciate.
GO LIVE LIFE ON YOUR TERMS,
Marcus