what i've learned along the way
mixed up thoughts of a wandering traveler
Published on February 6, 2005 By lobsterhunter In Misc
It happens every year. Change comes knocking at my door, and I get all knotted up on the inside. I fret over things I cannot control, causing all other areas of my life to suffer. Everything seems to get turned upside down, and I start feeling funky. Remaining spiritually connected becomes a huge chore, and I begin to question whether or not I have progressed at all. God seems distant and I become terribly self-centered (not a quality I'm particularly proud of ).

When I look through the "half-glass empty" lenses, this is what I see. Being single allows me to uproot and replant myself anywhere, at anytime. This freedom is both a blessing and a curse. Making life choices as a single person, means bearing the responsibility alone. My distorted way of thinking tells me if I were married, this process would be easier. Relocating and switching jobs would be a shared decision. A burden we both would carry. Yes, I realize the grass always appears greener on the other side. Both lawns require mowing.

Decisions about my career and living conditions plague me. I hate having to play with all the possibilities and never really knowing which options sound best. I spend so much mental energy on the "what if's", and I second guess my every move. Trusting God with the outcome is such a difficult task, because I tend to stay in the driver's seat of my life. I mean after all, "Aren't I the one who signs the contract? Isn't it my name on the lease?" I recognize how dangerous self-managed living can become, yet I continually gravitate towards destruction. Perhaps it's this earth suit I'm wearing that causes me to stumble.

A little over a week ago, I heard a worship leader pray and ask God for more insecurity. This request did not set well with me because I happen to have more than my share of this dreaded character defect. My greatest desire is to feel safe and wanted. Soliciting an extra dose of insecurity directly conflicts with my need for stability. Only in my inadequacy can God be glorified, but I sure don't like how I feel when this process is taking place!

Trying to determine God's will for my future stresses me out. The most frustrating part is knowing my resistance only fuels the fire. Why can't I just be still, and allow things to unfold? When will I learn the art of acceptance?

This blog is a mixed up mess of my thoughts. Most of the ideas don't connect, but it's where I'm currently residing. Do with it as you would like, but tread gently. Sometimes the truth we need the most, is the very thing we don't want to hear.





Comments
on Feb 07, 2005
I really feel and relate to what you're saying. Trying to determine God's will for my future stresses me out, too. Being a senior in high school, I've never, ever felt more pressure in my life. And I feel like God doesn't care. I mean, deep down, I know He does, but it's like "Give me a frickin' clue here!" I have no clue where on earth my life is going. There are so many options and sometimes I want to say "screw it all" because I get so overwhelmed. But, I suppose if I pray about it and still feel no direction (as I feel now), I'll have to go on making decisions on my (seemingly) own.

Other than God, relationships and self-contentment, I think that change and randominity are what make life worth living. I think change does us good. I would hate life being the same everyday. I like to think of my life as a whole picture sometimes, and just try and be as happy as I can for the day I'm living. I try to enjoy the little things and glorify God everyday instead of worrying about what comes next.

I know it sounds cliche, but I'm gunna say it anyway: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

~Sarah

****Matthew 6: 25-34****
on Feb 07, 2005
Sara,

Thanks for sharing. It seems like just yesterday that I was walking in your shoes. The decisions facing me after high school were definitly overwhelming. In the end, I said "Screw It!', and headed eight hours away from home. It turned out to be exactly where God wanted me, and my freshmen year of college was a foundational time in my spiritual growth.

You will find you way, just as I will. The hard part is accepting our powerlessness over the outcomes. Trust is brutal, and change is ineveitable. I guess I need a remedial course in life every now and again. The "worry" scripture was a much needed reminder of God's consistent provision. Your encouragement is appreciated.
on Feb 08, 2005
Hi T. I’m glad you started writing again and I always appreciate your honesty and willingness to open up. What I have to say you’ve heard before – from others and me. Bear with me.

Change is necessary, and unfortunately, unavoidable. You obviously worry a great deal about the future and decisions you feel you need to make, but what does that worry get you? You get “knotted up inside” and “spiritually disconnected.” That’s what Jesus was talking about when he was talking about the parable of the sower, and the seed that fell on the ground and was choked out by the weeds. The seed is the word of God in your life and how worry and the cares of this world choke it out. We have to constantly be on guard to keep that from happening. You know: “Clothe ourselves daily with Jesus.”

We all struggle with “God’s will” for our lives, but what exactly is God’s will? I’ve been thinking about that since reading your blog and realize this space is too limited to put my thoughts down. Basically it's not an itinerary as much as it is an attitude. When we talk about "knowing God's will" what we really want is for God to come down and write our future all out for us, to give us this perfect plan for our lives. It doesn't work that way and we wind up saying "This isn't the life I signed up for." There is so much more to say I guess I’ll have to do my own blog about it. Guess you’ll have to read about it there. Or call me for coffee some time, I know a great little coffee shop where we can meet.

Don’t let it stress you. I’m here for you anytime you need to talk.

Love you.
on Feb 10, 2005

You got PROB-lems!!!!

But I lerb you.

Trinitie

on Feb 10, 2005
You got PROB-lems!!!!


And Trinitie doesn't.

~Sarah
on Feb 11, 2005

*shakes fist angrily at Sarah*

No me conoces. 

Trinitie

on Feb 11, 2005
No me conoces.




I know you're human (or at least I'm hopin' so )... and being human we all have problems. It was nothin' against you.

Have you abandoned AOL? How's college goin? You said you'd blog about your first day. *tsk tsk*



~Sarah
on Feb 11, 2005
Thanks for having my back Sarah.

Trin knows I've got problems, so no offense was taken. She just likes messin' with me.

on Feb 11, 2005
i am going to have to agree with sarah we all have problems whether or not we want to admit it. but sooner or later we will all have to face the facts. We are all screwed up in one aspect.
on Feb 12, 2005

Rose, you are so weird. 

Sarah, I haven't abandoned aol or joe.  I'm just really busy with school and other things.  We should email!  Triny152000@yahoo.com

Tenille, it's cute how you think I'm just mess'n. 

Trinitie