Life Is Full of Uncertainty
What do you do when you are faced with Uncertainty and life is confusing. Do you walk away and hope it will all go away? Do you scream and yell and abuse others verbally? Do you attempt to reason things out and discuss your options with others/ Do you pray and ask for God’s guidance?
Challenges and change are a part of life. Such may be God’s way of causing us to rethink or relook at ourselves, our community/world and our lifestyle. Dealing with challenges that require change are difficult for many of us. Change though is constant in our fast-paced society and it can be very painful. Change can be very trivial or it can involve us in earth-shaking attitudinal shifts, relationship adjustments, or even relocation of family or work.
God does not promise an easy or clear life. Changes in methods, directions and focus are often necessary. Growth requires change, curiosity, stretching one’s mind and a willingness to risk making mistakes. Life can and probably will be at times bewildering, unclear, confusing. And even one may feel lost on the journey at times.
Below is a poem written by Tim Wood. Read this in a prayerful attitude.
“Poem of Uncertainty”
Why do I stagger under uncertainty?
Am I not supposed to be strong?
Why do I stumble through this confusion?
Where have I gone wrong?
I want to feel a sense of order.
With everything packed up nice and neat.
I want to know where I am going.
I want the picture to be complete.
Don’t make me wonder what’s around the corner.
Don’t give me a puzzle with a missing piece.
I deserve to have some certainty.
I’ve got fears and pain I must release.
Rilke said to live the question,
But I want answers today.
Uncertainty is like flying blind.
You only can guess the way.
I’m not alone in my despair.
I share fears with saints of old.
They weren’t always proud and strong.
Until faith in God made them bold.
When darkest nights surround my soul,
When the unknown stalks me for days.
Comfort comes when I raise my voice,
And sing to God in praise.
Used by permission of author, Tim Wood.
Joyce D. Sohl, Laywoman-in-Residence
Joyce D. Sohl has been Laywoman-in-Residence since 2009 as a full-time volunteer. She retired as CEO of United Methodist Women in 2004. She is the author of 4 books, a teacher, retreat leader, writer and non-professional musician. Here at the Center her work is in the area of Spirituality & the Arts with such programs as Tuesdays in the Chapel, Vespers & All That Jazz, Poet’s Corner, quarterly retreats, and art exhibits.