Unplanned Transitions

 

I’ve been seeing a lot of memes on social media about the year 2022. I think some of us might agree with this one, “can I see the terms and conditions for 2022?”. We all can say that some parts of years 2020 and 2021 were not what we expected. For the past several days, I’ve been thinking of what title to give year 2021. For some or most of us, it has been a challenging year-a year full of ups & downs, twists and turns, and the occasional smooth or rough landing. I dubbed this year and 2020, unplanned transitions. There were a lot of things that happened in this year that some of us didn’t see coming. Like life literally smacked us in the face and told us we’re number one, if you know what I mean.

Some of us faced basic needs & financial woes, relationship, medical, employment, legal, mental challenges, and natural disasters. Let’s not forget the most evident, death of loved ones. I lost 2 people, my grandmother in June and one of my best friends in September.  I didn’t think I would cry about my grandmother’s passing due to the fact of knowing her health conditions, but I did. I cried for my mother, my aunt, and my uncles. I let it go and gave it to God. The death of my best friend wrecked me to my core. I called one of my girlfriends and I blubbered to her after I read the text. I was beside myself. A lot of thoughts ran through my mind because that was an unplanned transition for me. I started feeling guilty and started shaming myself for something that I had waited on doing. I cried even more that I couldn’t turn back the clock and make it happen. My girlfriend provided comfort, care, and simply was there for me on the phone until my ride home. She made sure I was okay before she hung up for bed because it was about a little before midnight that I called her.

For the first time in a long time, I questioned God. Yep. I dare to question the Creator. I questioned Him and asked him why God, why? I mean, I laid it out before Him! But you know what, I couldn’t hear His answer for a while. My heart was so full of pain that all I could do was question Him. I literally demanded Him to make it stop, make everything stop. I want a redo, take it all back! Let’s redo 2020 and 2021, we don’t want them! Finally, after several days of no longer shaking my fist at God, I got my answer. Well let me tell you, it definitely was not what I expected. He asked, “do you believe that I’m Sovereign?” Well, that’s a loaded question to say the least. Lord, can we go back and pretend the shaking my fist thing did not happen? That would be great thanks, have a nice day! But it did happen and when your eyes & heart are fixed on your difficulties, not that they’re not valid or important, you lose sight of God and His plans for your life. Yes, Lord I said, I believe that You’re Sovereign. God answered and said, “if you believe that I’m Sovereign then you believe that I’m in control and if you believe that I’m in control, just TRUST Me.” Fair warning, if you are going to ask God a question and no matter what your responses might be, He has the final say!

Life is full of unplanned transitions. As we’ve entered this new year, we all wish that this year will be better on its terms and conditions. I had to take a couple hard gulps this year, give it all to God, and TRUST him. You’ve heard the saying, “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade”. I say, “when life gives you lemons, give them to God because He is all knowing!” I saw a post that Z88.3, a Christian radio network, posted on social media and I thought, that’s what I need to do for 2022. It read: “God knows then when, the where, the why, and the how. So show up, do your part, then let go and TRUST HIM to do the rest.” God has a plan for your life and it’s a plan to prosper you, give you a hope, and a future. Just TRUST Him right now. So do I need to see the terms and conditions for year 2022? Some of you might be screaming yes! I’m saying, I wish I could, but I give it all to God and TRUST Him to do the rest.

Warm Wishes & Happy New Year!

Carline