Do you need some fresh ideas on how to persevere on this unexpected road we find ourselves traveling? Perhaps, life has become a little dull and arduous. Are you sick and tired of this new way of life? Has existing within the constraints of the pandemic taken its toll? Maybe it’s time to pull our ideas together and share what helps the most right now.
Do you need some fresh ideas on how to persevere on this unexpected road we find ourselves traveling? #unexpected #persevere #whathelps Click To TweetWishing We Could Go Back
Yesterday, I raced down the mountain in the middle of a snowstorm. My toes were numb, my fingertips stung, and I wanted a warm place to rest. As I approached a familiar resting spot, I snapped off my skis and took a deep breath. I felt a sense of relief. I flung open the lodge door, eager to enter. However, the large sign stood between me and the tables which read— Reservation Only. My heart sank. I had forgotten we were in the middle of a pandemic, and waltzing in to take a break was taboo. Murmuring underneath my breath, “I sure wish we could go back to normal.”
I love to ski because it is one place I have a sense of freedom to go where I please and without schedule constraints. I shut the world out and let God enter. It is a place where I take in God’s beauty and let it rest in my soul. The mountain is a break from the noise of the world. Do you have a place like this?
When the Fog Rolls In
However, today the fog rolled in and not only outside but in my mind. I wanted life to be like it used to be, where sharing a table or riding on a lift is normal. Where hugs are okay, and smiles are plentiful.
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
John 13:7 (NIV)
Well, a table was out of the question. I meandered to find the restroom. At least there you didn’t need a reservation. As I rounded the corner to enter, I almost squealed with delight. Would you believe right, as you walked in, was a bench calling out my name? It was warm, quiet, and off the beaten path, a fantastic place to gather my thoughts and thaw out.
As I plopped down and wrestled out of my boots, I remembered back to a time when life was much darker, lonelier, and unpredictable. At that time, I yearned for life to return to the way it was. But more importantly, I recalled the valuable skills which helped me to endure the unthinkable. And they still apply today. Let me name three of the many skills learned when the moment threatens to get the best of me.
Three Skills
- Counting my blessings
- Living in the present moment
- Keeping my eyes focused on Christ
I quickly thanked God for our time together, a warm place to sit, and the fact I’m able to ski. I repeated the words, I so often say, “Well, if Jesus could endure the cross, certainly I can make it through this.”
Featured Post
In Bev’s post last week, she gives a good argument through biblical illustrations for not wanting life to return to normal. She reminds us that God might have something more for each of us. It is an article you won’t want to miss as she leaves you with quite a few questions to ponder. Besides, she may leave you curious and excited about what is yet to come.
Now for our Featured Post
Will You Settle for “Return to Normal?”
By Bev Rihtarchik
Click here to read.
Our featured post today, on Grace & Truth Link-Up, is written by Bev Rihtarchik – Will You Settle for “Return to Normal?” #graceandtruth #featuredpost Click To TweetWhat Helps You the Most right Now?
Will you share what works for you? It would be great to have a list in the comments for others to reflect on. Maybe what helps you is a walk, puzzles, books, your dog, etc.
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Embracing the Unexpected | Maree Dee
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I loved your list, Maree. I have found that, in addition to your list, spending time daily in God’s word has helped. The other thing is giving myself some time to myself when I feel overwhelmed, to just take a step back and do something that refreshes me for a little while has been helpful on those tough days.
Jeanne,
I agree, spending time with God daily helps tremendously. It is time I rarely skip. I need it to get my feet pointed in the right direction, and I need my morning hug from God. I like that when you feel overwhelmed, you step back and do something refreshing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Blessings,
Maree
happy Valentine’s day, Maree! anything creative, anything that connects me with people, anything that makes me smile or breathe deep with contentment. anything serendipitous or lovely.
anything that would make Him smile …
What a wonderful list; thank you for sharing. You have encouraged me with your words, “anything that makes me smile or breathe deep with contentment.” I want to add more of those things to my everyday life, and you know what? It usually involves nature or people and a whole lot of God. Blessings, Maree
A really great post Maree, I was there with you! Although I can’t ski, lol!
What helps me is stilling myself in the delight of enjoying a cuppa… in my garden or taking a walk along the waterfront & yes, I do enjoy puzzles! Living normally within my home gives normalcy.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing what helps you the most. Your walks along the waterfront sound fabulous.
Blessings,
Maree
Not understanding what He’s doing until later is a tall order for me. Tough, but in His timing…By the way, I just read your piece in the Prayers devotional today during my daily office. Loved it so much!
Lauren,
Ahh, I am so glad you read and liked my devotion. I loved the book. You inspired me to go back and read your devotion and my responses. Wow, it encouraged my heart once again. Thank you. I do need God’s help to be merciful, meek, and pure in heart. Thank goodness He is so forgiving when I mess up. I hope you have a great weekend. Maree
Dear Maree Dee, as crazy as it may seem, I actually scream in the shower. When our home was full of kids the shower was the only place I knew where there would be privacy and to really let go without scaring the kids half to death. As a teacher in an urban setting, I found myself encouraging students to do the same. Our house is now quiet, but just this week an occasion found me seeking sanctuary in the shower again…and the Lord met me there<:
Alice,
No, it doesn’t sound crazy to me at all that you scream in the shower. I am not sure if I have ever screamed, but I have done some ugly, loud crying in the shower. It’s a great place. I am so glad the Lord met you there. He is so good to meet us where we need Him.
Thank you for sharing,
Maree
The exact recipe for functioning in every day – keeping focused on God, being present and remembering the blessings! With every phase of my life, it seems there has been a new normal. I think the journey homeward is moving from one normal to a new one – because we need to be made uncomfortable to move closer to God. There are so many old normals I miss!
Maryleigh,
I think you are right about every phase of life involves a new normal. And yes, it does move us closer to God. Thank you for sharing what helps you. I love your list.
Maree
This post is so on point! I am aware that I have had a bored weariness that has been hovering for the past few days. I think some of it is that we are soon at a year of the pandemic and restrictions. Some is related to the frigid cold weather that makes getting out for a walk difficult. Our family has had health issues during this year not related to Covid and that took emotional, spiritual, and mental energy also. What tends to be my helps including reading inspirational books, savoring the comfort of a cozy fire, a walk by myself, and when the Holy Spirit shines a light on a verse in my daily reading that awakens me to his presence. I am persuaded that some of this that I and so many of us are dealing with is “wearing down of the saints” that also points to the enemy’s desire to dissuade us from how we were running this race earlier in this season. It’s somehow helpful for us to hear it is plaguing more than just us also.
Pam,
I am so sorry your family has had to deal with health issues this past year. I imagine with Covid; it makes it a little more complicated. Sending a prayer up for your family right now.
I know what you mean about walking in the cold. I ski in the freezing weather, but it is hard to leave the house for a walk. Tonight I bundled up and went for a short one while it was snowing. It was quite spectacular and refreshing.
Thank you for sharing your list of what helps the most. I, too, love a cozy fire. It has become my morning place where I spend time with God and sip my tea. I love the way you talked about the Holy Spirit shining a light on a verse.
It is so nice to know we are all in this together,
Blessings,
Maree
This is a helpful perspective, Maree. I think we’re all weary of the pandemic situation. Yet I remind myself it could be so much worse–other pandemics have been. What helps me most is drawing my focus back to God through Scripture, reminding myself He is faithful and has a purpose in what He allows, seeking His grace for the day. Then, practically, getting busy with something else gets my mind off everything–reading, writing, doing a project around the house, playing a game.
Barbara,
Thank you for sharing what helps you the most during this time. I am hoping others will gain from your sharing. I agree that getting our minds off the pandemic and on to other things helps tremendously and off course, keeping our focus on God. I wish I had done a few more house projects, but I guess I still have time.
Maree