WE FEEL the most comfortable when we know where we’re going. Knowing our destination, all the familiar landmarks along the way, and where we’ll settle in once we’ve arrived gives us a sense of control. We’re in the driver’s seat, right?
But how do we wrestle with the unknown? Whether it’s a new job, a new group of people to meet, or a trip to somewhere we’ve never been before, how does it feel compared to the safety of the known?
I have no scientific data to confirm it, but I’d bet there are three reactions to these situations. Some are always open to a new adventure and can easily go with the flow wherever it leads. Others retreat in panic, unsure they can stand the pressure of the new or different thing. And then there’s everyone else — those who hang out in the middle, somewhat unmoved by the change, yet not rushing to get started either.
Moments or seasons of change are inevitable for us all. Some seasons of change come with a bit of notice and time to adjust or ease into the idea. Others occur in the blink of an eye and can range from mild to life-changing. Some are exciting and invite growth and reflection, while others drive us to our knees and leave us with questions no one can answer.
My journey these days meanders a path of uncertainty concerning my vision. I’ve traveled from a near-sighted third grader to a mono-vision Nana. Some days the clarity of the sight in my remaining eye surprises me and sparks joy and thankfulness. At other times, dimly lit rooms or uneven surfaces cause me to stumble, leaving me feeling vulnerable and embarrassed. And then there are times when fear of blindness sneaks up, and thoughts of loss of independence overshadow the light.
For me, it’s a vision thing, but I know we all have something like it in our lives at any time — loss of a loved one, a job termination, a medical diagnosis, a family crisis — the list goes on and on. We all have times when we feel like we can’t see where we’re going or how we’ll go on.
But when it’s hard to see, there’s one thing we can be sure of: we are not alone.
Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
For me, that’s light. Any future blindness cannot be total because He’s gone ahead of me, and He is light. Sometimes the light is more for warming than for illuminating as we curl childlike into His embrace and let Him comfort us with His presence. And often, His light comes to us through friends, family, and our community; even strangers have been known to cross our paths and brighten our days.
Seize every opportunity to be the light and receive it graciously if and when the need arises. While the answers may not come, like sunshine on a cold January day, the light and love warms us and reminds us that a brighter day is coming. GN
