Certainty

I'm just going to tell you up front, that this picture has nothing to do with what I really want to share with you. I just really like it, and I took it while skiing in Colorado with Ben, and it's beautiful, and what I am going to share with you is a beautiful concept.

From My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers:

"Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. Certainty is the mark of a common sense life; gracious uncertainty is the mark of a spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness; it should rather be an expression of breathless expectation."

I am often reminded of how the career path I have chosen includes a very mathematical timeline, at least for the next decade or so. This has its benefits, I understand that and am very grateful, but, knowing a piece of the future only makes me more anxious for the areas that are still uncertain; the where, the how, and the whos, if you will. It's like watching the first 30 minutes of your favorite TV show or movie without completing it. You sit there knowing half the story, but are left with an anticipation that doesn't really go away. Experience (particularly through observing and learning from my parents) has shown me that this never really goes away. There are always new challenges, new relationships, and new opportunities. So, how do we become certain with constant uncertainty.

[Insert a mental frame shift and a big kudos to Oswald for his wise words]

I've thought about it and I think it all boils down to trust. Trusting in God. Erin Cvengros stopped by before heading to DC for her new job and I was reminded of Jeremiah 29:11.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

It's way more exciting not knowing. It's like skiiing down an unfamiliar run. In my case, that was almost every one this past week. I told Ben I liked it. It's kinda fun when something you weren't expecting happens and it works out to be better than you'd anticipated. Like when there's a turn you weren't expecting or a steep slope you didn't see. And then you nail it. But, you need someone to follow. Someone you trust. Someone who won't lead you into something you can't handle. And that's God's promise to us.

[insert a sigh of relief here]