Things Happen

”These things just happen sometimes“ is one of the most frustrating statements. I know things happen, but it’s not supposed to happen to me! Right? Apparently not.

When “things happen,” my reflexive response is to want to go cry and give up. I was there today with a situation that has been touch and go for over a month. The situation has been called “a photographer’s worst nightmare.” Not only does it impact me mentally, emotionally, and financially, but the impact on my clients is what brings me to my knees. How do I handle that?

Today, I handed it over to God (again). I keep handing it over and then taking it back. Not today. I’m handing it over, because I know there has to be a reason. So I ask you, God, what would you have me learn from this situation?

I accept what I cannot change. I have done my very best and ventured down multiple avenues to “fix” this problem. I cried out to the Lord from the floor and with tears truly streaming down my face and, still, the issue remains. A month in and I realize that THIS is willed to be so. I can’t be stuck in this limbo hoping and praying for an outcome that is different that what the outcome already is.

I will change what I can. How do I keep this from happening again? My workflows and my work patterns need to change. Constantly being disorganized and running to and fro trying to make everyone happy is starting to produce major damage on my life. The word “no” does actually exist, and God means for me to start using it sometimes. I need to take time to prioritize things in my life so that I’m not confused about what HAS to be done and what is just extra. God, you have my attention. “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”—Isaiah 64:8

Lord, give me wisdom. In the 15 minutes since I have began writing this, I have recieved two messages with the same confirmation. Both saying, take deep breaths and have peace that everything will turn out as it should. Until I can claim that wisdom, I am thankful God puts wise women in my life.

We all face things in this life that are not ideal. In all things we should give thanks, and life would just be better. It’s hard to see the good when you‘re stuck so deep in the bad. That’s where I have trouble. I have these overwhelming feelings of hopelessness that literally take me over. I can’t function that way...and what’s more He does not want me to. I don’t want to face this battle alone. I don’t want to face any battle alone. “The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”—Exodus 14:14.

Lord give me peace within my heart to let You fight this one for me. Show me what I need to see. Help me be what I need to be and go where I need to go.

Your prayers are not only appreciated, but they are desired.

Stacey