Reassurances Amidst Uncertainty

Uncertainty, it’s all around us, you don’t have to look far. It comes in the sound of an ambulance or firetruck along with the howling of the coyotes when they hear it. Our temporary existence is a reminder that the frivolous stuff doesn’t matter…yet we are attracted to it like a moth to a flame.

I have just subscribed to The New York Times…I want to be aware of what faces the world, but at the same time, there is a difference between being aware and allowing it to consume you.

For instance, I received a text alert from the NYT about Putin’s growing threat in the Ukraine. How does this affect me and my family. Of course, its affects will trickle down and make itself known in the economy, but for right now, it does not affect how my day will continue.

Make the coffee, change the diapers, feed my little ones, take the dogs out, do the laundry, feed the rest of the family, make time to edit my book so I can eventually send it with a query letter to a prospective literary agent and of course I still have statistics homework to take care of. On and on my list goes, but for an instant I can get caught up in someone else’s life. Turn to the entertainment section. I just read an article about a stripper who marries a preacher 7 years younger than her. Say whaaat?!

When life throws us a curve ball, for lack of a better word, we take the hit and then assess the damage. We search for things in our life looking for the meaning of it. Anger, sadness and fear rage in our thoughts. Fearful for a tomorrow that sometimes manifests itself in our dreams.

I am aware that it doesn’t need to be that way, but I’m being honest. The instinct to pray comes after I feel the feelings.

What we look for in times of uncertainty?

We need a friendly gesture, a helpful quote, an answered prayer. I have been doing a lot of talking to God. As I write this I am tentative about other people’s thoughts about Him.

I am learning and growing in my beliefs through life’s experience. It’s been a bumpy road. I imagine running through river rocks, wearing Vibrams, those five toed shoes that ever so briefly became a trend. It can be painful when you don’t have the right tools. Get yourself a pair of Altras for the terrain you’re on and it will make for a less a painful journey. I did not mean to make that into a shoe commercial, but it’s so fitting. I couldn’t help myself! I’m laugh crying right now, internally.

Non believers think of it as a weakness on the part of the believers. I used to say the same thing when I lived on the side of the unbelievers, but I’ll take it. I am no greater than the person sitting next to me. We could all use God’s soul support.

I woke up this morning worried. One thing popped into my head. Give it to God. I instantly turned my worry over to Him and the tension in my chest released. I thought to myself, “It’s that easy?” Yeah it is.

This is not cause to do nothing. There’s only so much you can do when given a problem. Do what you can and then turn it over to Him. He’ll take it from there. Watch it unfold. I dare you.

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That was my pep talk for today and through the weekend. My hope is that this post speaks to you in some way. If it did, please do not hesitate to leave me a comment. It’s always good to know that I’m not the only one going through sheet.