You might think strength would show up right when you need it.
You might think it’s like a dependable friend

            who comes charging in to save the day.
But my experience?
            Strength is usually much sneakier than that.

            Sometimes it shows up late.
            Or early.
            Or when I’m too distracted to even notice.

I remember one time when I was sure I was going to fall apart.
            But then, somehow, I didn’t fall apart.
            I sat down.
            I took a breath.
And out of nowhere, I was okay.

            No parade. No trumpet blast.
            Just a quiet okay-ness like a small gift.

Strength doesn’t always come when we ask for it.
            It doesn’t clock in on schedule.
But sometimes, it taps you on the shoulder,
            and it says, “Still here.”

And you realize: It never left!