Perspectives
/I am learning to thrive in increasingly complex situations. I have had to unlearn some things and learn some others. I like control and planning.
in years past, I found myself in a place where I had limited control and no plans, just a knowing. When I stepped into my mother’s shoes to raise my niece and nephew after she passed, I didn’t quite understand the fullness of what I was stepping into.
My mom passed. I doubled my children. The pandemic came. I work in Emergency Medicine. I was taken to court over custody by a man that usurped parental rights from one of the children.
At present, I have many challenges that are refining me. Expressions like “she’s over her skis,” “she is in over her head,” and “unnerving” would be applicable, if I didn’t believe in a better word.
There is a song by Hillsong UNITED called Oceans (Where Feet May Fail). Sharing some of the lyrics.
“Take me deeper me than my feet could ever wander
and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my savior.
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk me upon the waters wherever you would call me”
These words challenged me. I was deeper than my feet could wander but I was not singing about it. There are levels.
I love the story about Jesus sleeping on the boat in the middle of the storm. Whether singing when I am “in over my head” or sleeping through a storm, I want to live like that!
““Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.”
Jesus is sleeping and the disciples are flipping out! I have been there! I know what fear feels like. Heart pounding, sweating, and quickened breath. No, thank you! I like excitement, but I do not like fear. Interestingly enough, while I write this I am thinking, adrenaline drives both fear and excitement. What is the difference? Perspective
I will avoid the doom associated with fear at all costs. I do not like scary movies where doom it certain. Horror is associated with doom and hopelessness. I can handle suspense. Suspense gives hope a chance. Excitement is the definition of anticipation and hope. Perspective can alter the expression of hormones.
Back to Jesus sleeping in the boat. Jesus is unphased by the storm. It does not move him in the least. There are no adrenaline surges. Jesus was using the storm as noise cancellation for his deep slumber. The same noise and commotion was unraveling the disciples. They are so unraveled they are convinced that their lives were at risk. They woke Jesus up to bring his awareness to the storm so he could save them. Perspective alters the interpretation of threats.
I want to walk into situations with clarity and bring peace. I get there by understanding who God is and who He created me to be. I must partner with him to reveal the fullness of what I have been created to uniquely give.
““Have Faith in God,” Jesus answered”
God is faithful. He has gotten me through many impossible situations. We have history. While I ask God daily for wisdom and understanding, I chose to trust God in the things that I do not fully understand. My faith in God has grown immensely and continues to grow. I am learning to sing about it.
If you have never made a declaration of faith and you want to make that commitment, here is how.