03-13, Challenge & Choice

Amidst the challenge of immersion in news everywhere, I choose to notice the beautiful anywhere.

I eagerly and happily entered the breezeway, thankful to have arrived safely at my destination. There was much to be done, said, heard, unpacked. I always leave with a checklist chocked full of reminders, and though I knew my to do list was expectedly long, I still – stopped. Because I saw something beautiful.

I was drawn to the display of organic design. Slices of wood anchoring a vase of vibrant flowers whose softness was rivaled only by their fragrance. I inhaled deeply. Touched gently. Appreciated immensely. I felt as if the petals were stretching upwards in hopes of reaching its sought out sunshine. I shared its fondness for the welcomed warmth.

Ironically, I thought about the shortness of their time. How they were once all tiny seeds that had bloomed and blossomed into such majestically adorned floral arrangements. How essential was it to treasure that their lives were finite. A mere cycle, but then, isn’t just about everything?

Some cycles I treasure greatly because they remind me that what is enjoyed is often temporary. Other cycles bring me comfort for a different reason though. They remind me that not everything will endure. Like tragedy. Discomfort. Confusion. I find that consoling in my current context, as everyday that I tune into the news, irrespective of its source, I learn of a new complication with each update.

It was this morning that I told myself that I’d ponder my challenges and choices. I am challenged to acquiesce to fear and folly. My mind is inclined to soak in the information that tells me I should be afraid. And anxious. And driven by my assumptions; but, my heart tells me I should trust what I’ve conveyed has always been the source of my strength. My faith in God. My belief that nothing is beyond His ability to intervene. My confidence that He can handle dilemmas far better than I can.

I am afforded the opportunity to make choices – about how I feel, how I respond, how I react, how I move forward. I am choosing to console the ones I love and the ones I can help. I am writing letters of encouragement to those who are afraid. I am spending time with my children and planning how to bond over the mandated break. I choose to still enjoy the beautiful things even if the world around me opts to crumble.

I don’t know when things will “get better.” But I do know how I consider them affects what I allow to control me. I care not to be controlled by circumstances or pandemonium. Amidst the daily challenges of maintaining my sanity and my serenity, for my family and my friends, I choose to put my confidence in Him.

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