A lot has happened recently and my head is still whirling from it all and working on prioritizing and processing. I’ve learned that if I can take time to rest and reflect, my mind is calmed and I can handle the day to day along with the new and unpredictable reality of these new scenarios.
I must prioritize processing because I’m also trying to stay in the moment, especially with the kids, family in town, and birthdays. If I don’t work through it, I risk fast-forwarding through it, and I don’t want to miss out on the joys of the present.
Processing, rather than ignoring or delauing reflection also helps build resilience. I have learned that resilience is something that can be exercised, by recognizing the need to acknowledge the event and take the time needed to process it. The faster I can process it, the faster I can move through it. Moving through it doesn’t mean it is over or that it’s 100% behind me, but it does mean that I can continue to live life as fully as I can with it.
The other amazing thing about resilience is that I am never alone. I have the living God, the savior of the world, giving me His hand. I was taking time to write and reflect this weekend so I could process and I had a vision of being alone in a rickety wooden boat on a stormy sea, the sky dark and rain pelting down.
Jesus appeared in front of the boat, lightning flashing behind him, and held out his hand beckoning.
I. Didn’t. Hesitate.
I pushed myself up, the boat rocking more from the sudden motion, and launched myself into the water to Him.
I didn’t see what happened next. But the interpretation I received was that life will have its storms. And I can spend my time trying to build the best, most stable boat I can by myself… or even choosing to stay on land rather than risk the perils of the sea… or, I can stay scrappy, building simply for the journey and it’s immediate next step, and be poised, alert, ready for the call.
When Jesus calls, I won’t be looking for my backup dive gear, my rain coat, or even proceeding cautiously. I will propel myself headfirst into whatever He’s calling and trust fully that He will provide what is needed for the task at hand.
Let us pray:
Dear Jesus, take my hand and my heart and my head.
You alone are the true source of security and peace.
When we travel with you, we never travel alone.
Help us grow in trust in you, and remove any notions that any gift we have is a result of our own work, independent of your grace and abundant blessing.
Jesus, I trust in you.