Ebb and Flow

 

The movement of water is a continual Ebb and Flow.  A rhythmical pattern of coming and going or decline and regrowth.  We experience this ebb and flow in our own lives also.  If you notice the pattern, we too are in constant movement, experiencing phases or seasons of ebbing and flowing.

There was a time in my life where I was easily agitated by any degree of change. The moment there was change, my mind would immediately go into what I call “story telling mode”.  The stories would play out in my head, usually negative of course, which in turn would cause my anxiety to grow with each passing moment.

The only constant is change

But, I soon realized, that change is inevitable whether we choose to be anxious about it or not.  At any given moment, we will experience some degree of movement in all facets of our lives.  People change and situations change. When, how, and why situations end and another begin is unknown and certainly out of our control, so might as well accept them.

Reasons and Seasons

Eventually I began to look at my life in the bigger picture.  I stopped looking for the reasons why things evolved, turned directions, or ended.  Instead I understood that we all go through seasons, which ultimately meant the situation was here for a while, not here to stay.

Whether I like it or not, that isn’t point

I admit, acceptance and surrender doesn’t come easy.  It has taken me quite some time to understand that it isn’t about liking the process or even my own comfort. The game changer began when I whole heartedly believed that God allows things with a bigger plan in mind, and I don’t have to like it, see it, or even agree with it!

In life, circumstances will continue to change.  Relationships will come and will go. Emotions fluctuate. Perspectives shift.

But I will embrace it all and release control, to the ONE WHO KNOWS IT ALL.

 

“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 hope and a future”.

Jeremiah 29:11