Standing On A Road I Didn't Plan

How many of us would say we are standing on a road we didn't plan?

This was true for me 22 years ago when our son Nathan passed away suddenly, never in a million years did I think that I would experience the death of a child. How about you? What are you dealing with that you never thought you would experience?

As I listen to the song "Need you now" by Plumb https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tivseVZbnY I am reminded that we all have wounds that need to be healed, there is not one person who is exempt from life's painful experiences, even Jesus experienced unimaginable pain. When we remain open we can gain valuable lessons from our experiences, you know the kind of lessons that give us wisdom, compassion, empathy.

Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

To often we allow ourselves to hang on to our wounds far too long and it prevents us from moving forward in life. If you were to take a look at your life right now, what would you say that you are holding on to? Grief? Resentment? Fear? Anxiety? What is the reason you refuse to let go of it? If you were to ask God what you should do about it, what would he say to you?

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

What I have learned is when we surrender and accept it for what it is, we give ourselves the permission to just be who we are in that moment. Part of acceptance is feeling the emotions that are tied to that painful experience and then letting it go.

Can I encourage you to look beyond your pain. Life is too short to be bitter and unhappy by our circumstances, we need to become hopeful for better days ahead.

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

As the song says, God gives us strength to keep breathing and for that I am truly grateful. What are you grateful for?

Wherever your journey leads you always look for the good in it because when we look hard enough, we will find it.

Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime