In the face of obstacles

Posted By jessi on September 7, 2011

September has come and life goes on. The year has been traumatic for many of us but we carry on. All the obstacles and trials that come our way help to build us up and make us strong. I find that our roots grow deeper when we stand long enough to let them grow.

I visited my brother in Nashville this past week end and simply relaxed and enjoyed the fellowship. This is quite important in order to focus on our direction. I have spoke to R&R before and YES it is very important. But then, one must come back to the real world. It is called, “Keep on walking”…you don’t know how far you have come…keep on walking”….Life is real and we must never give up even in the face of obstacles.

I watched attentively to the approach of Hurricane Irene. It was awesome how the residents of the east coast prepared for the danger that was coming their way. Some in low lying areas evacuated and others did what was necessary to protect what belonged to them. Then there was some who procrastinated and ‘took’ preparedness as a joke. WOW! The overall response was tremendous, and many lives were saved because of it. With the extensive damages and lives lost with Katrina, we learned a lot. Natures force and fury bombarded the land with its wind but more than that with its flood waters. Amazingly enough, because of the preparedness lives were save … much loss of property and “things”. The people in the communities came together and helped one another.

I consider the “preparedness” that saved those lives and put it into prospective in my own life. This is the way we should be as we walk our own journey. Regardless of the trial or what is coming into our lives, we must prepare ourselves. The world is not improving and the storm clouds continue to rise. This may not get better but the way we approach it will. Our roots will grow deeper and we learn the skills we need to face our future. I take each obstacle as an opportunity to grow! That is, when I allow the Holy Spirit to guide me. Thank you Holy Spirit … for being my guide and my counselor.

When we begin to look at obstacles as opportunities to grow, they take on a different shade. They become much smaller and soon become attainable. WOW! The mountain has become a small mound!

I have many opportunities right now with 4 grandchildren in my small home and 2 extra adults. One of those children is 20 years old but conducts herself as a 12 year old. Great challenges each day in my life!

Work has been challenging as well because the census is low and our unit has been renovated, making it difficult to function smoothly. The tension remains high so it is a challenge to even go to work. As my daughter in law says, I must pray each day to help me understand the ‘why’ I am in such a place. Sometimes God plants us ….wherever….for such a time as this. We become that candle in the midst of darkness to reflect a little light to a world that is desperate. We must not quit until that trumpet is sounded because there are soooo many who have not headed the call. Let us continue to walk with preparedness and strength so that we can make a difference.