It’s Still in YOU!
After accepting this “new beginning’’ there was a phrase that continued to echo from within, “LIVE WELL”. It was a familiar expression. In discovering and redefining various aspects of life, sharing in “safe spaces” there was personal assurance we all willingly or unwillingly quite often dance with the concept to “LIVE WELL”. Matter of fact, dealing with current times this could feel dramatically altered by the pandemic. Then for others, the concept could be a form of determination or goal to “MAINTAIN” amidst life changing moments.
Sidebar: Prior to medical factors altering career pursuits, my passion had a second nature connection with healthcare and wellness. Then there was a creative dynamic intertwined through music, mostly with singing. While another part of me was drawn to aspects of care and counseling. Seemingly, there was much to navigate, still my heart relented to not knowing what this path could yield.
On hindsight these “medical life shifts” pulled me from settling for a mindset to believe “you must be successful this way”. Letting the process unfold, I found not being able to pursue certain career interest for the sake of health would require me to be “successful” by different methods. Was I okay with this? No. . .Did I want to “go back” to what myself or others implied I should do? Why naturally, yes. But I couldn’t fight God nor myself, so with humble submission I said, “Okay God, this may not be what I imagined for my life, but you have kept me for a reason. Now Lord, what is still within me that you have outlined to ‘LIVE WELL’?” In that moment, there was a sense of relief with a feeling as if God had lifted a heavy weight. It can be puzzling how God allows life to thrust one into perplexing moments that challenges you to redefine yourself without losing your “light”.
At any turn in life when things seem to “fall out of place” there maybe an inner part in each of us that is drawn to ask God, “Is this it?”. . . “Is this the direction you want me to take?” Personally, in those moments sometimes the silence may cause doubt to arise, then at other times the signs are clear as a blue sky. Even while riding the waves of emotions and feelings with uncertainty; there is still an effort where we try to not misinterpret what is happening around us. You know, not overthinking or being clear the “good thing” is God’s thing for you. Intentionally seeking clarity for how God is ordering each step. Asking the question, “What is still within me?” Praying to God and expressing your heart. Being honest that what you are trying to make “fit” no longer resonates with who and where you are now. The signs or forms of opposition may onset second-guessing of self, but God says, “Trust me, pray and discern.” Have you ever been there? Are you there now?
Striping yourself of everything that was “man’s plan”. Aware of disturbances and distractions but God has you in a “hidden place” to seek HIM about how you will pursue this new path. . .How you will spend your time?. . .Asking yourself, “How will I know what pours into me or takes me away from your purpose?” This hits home with LIFE. “LIVE WELL” that’s what each specialist spoke and continuously conveys. Eliminate what no longer fits for your well-being. Listen, this was and sometimes is still HARD! Nevertheless, extending personal grace to remember, God still has something within me no matter how different or unfamiliar it may feel.
Courageously getting out of our own way and not forcing what God has alerted to be ‘red flags’ is where the test can be quite telling. Transparent Moment: Even in redefining aspects of our life, both my hubs and I gave ourselves grace to remain true to what God initially placed in our hearts. Has it been an easy journey? No. Still, to know that beyond whatever form of unexpected hurt, pain or life disappointment God is able to make each of us “successful” according to His good will. Truth is we all know life can happen. We just do not always have a crystal ball to know how and when. Having assurance with a heart to “LIVE WELL” does not have to be a perfect road, yet one where maturity and grace allow an individual to accept His purpose for life in the now. . .wherever you are.
Now, if the “still within you” calling does not resound with comfy cozy feels, pray for God to surround you with kindred spirits who can support you to be honest with yourself for how God is centering you to “LIVE WELL”. Believe God still has purpose beyond what happened. Give yourself grace in a healthy space to pause or avert rebound-like moves. Give yourself redemption to be flawed and release the pressure of needing to “have it all together”. Pray, plan, prepare, posture your heart and position yourself. We are all living and learning.
Oh my friends, it is still not all crystal clear to me, but I do know God has given the option to not settle or push away the passions of my heart. And I believe it is also there for you to experience in your life. No matter what has happened remember God knows where you. GOD SEES YOU! An omnipresent and all-knowing God wants you to believe, “IT IS STILL WITHIN YOU. LIVE WELL!”
No matter what has seemed to “offset” your life, I pray Jeremiah 29:11 bears much harvest with God-designed fruit in every area of your life.
~Corri Rose~