Living in a question mark: It’s a win win!

The only thing I know, is that I do not know anything. That is about the most certain thing I can say. And living in a question mark demands setting aside what I think I know about anything otherwise struggle ensues.

When life takes a turn, large and small, short or long term, the ground has changed. Sometimes we say we had a little bump in the road, or life took us on a detour. Either way, when life turns, we need to turn with it. New things need to be learned when turning in a new direction.

But it is not possible to learn new things, when we think we know it all. The lessons we have learned can be helpful, but if we think we can continue to plod along without learning something new to move us forward, we are deluding ourselves.

Part of living inside a question mark, is a clear understanding we are not in control. Getting comfortable with a lack of control can make most of us mad. What do you mean there is nothing I can do? What do you mean I can not make things happen faster? What do you mean you do not know, you are the expert?

Is this really about fear? Or is this is really about humility and trust?

What are we so afraid of? Are we afraid when we look inside, no one will be home? Are we afraid our own inner resources will not be enough? Are we afraid we are responsible in some way for our current uncertainty? Enough! You will make yourself mad with the questions about the question mark. Learn from your mistakes, do what you can do for your circumstances, and stop beating yourself up.

This is the time to sit, and appreciate everything. Now is the time to evaluate and throw out what is not working. Now is the time to create and try something new.

Here is something new! There is something quite beautiful about the emptiness of the question mark. Acceptance of the unknown can be a gift. It frees up energy to pay attention to life as one enjoys the soothing rhythm of trust, instead of the discordant chaos of control. I am more relaxed. It takes so much energy to control everything. But to surrender the timing of events to God, is like traveling by train. Peace beyond understanding washes over me knowing I have done my part, and the rest is up to trusting God. Waiting for test results, or a letter to come, or the resolution to the seemingly unending uncertainty is so much easier when I remember He is in charge. And what’s more, He loves me. So what is there to worry about?

Traveling along, requires at least two things. Humility and trust. They go hand in hand.

To truly understand we are not in control of life, requires a degree of humility in acknowledging our insignificance relative to all of creation. I am real clear I am not in charge of the underpinnings of the universe. I believe God is. It further humbles me knowing He loves me. If He created this entire universe, I’m pretty sure He has a plan for my life, because he Loves me. And when I see the beauty all around I not only understand but thank God I am not in charge. He is. And I can trust in knowing that God is. That is where the relief is right there. Trust. Trust is the key. He has my back. He will put the right people in place, He is divinely orchestrating things right now. He created the entire universe. I think I can trust Him with my life. While He is in the driver seat, I get to relax, read, pray, study, and write. It’s a win win! He can handle it much better than I! So I will allow Him to handle all I cannot and I will sit back and enjoy the journey. See, win win.