Be still. That’s one of the hardest things I have ever been asked to do. It is NOT my nature to let things just happen. To be quiet for long periods of time, or to not seem to care.
There has always been a plan in place for moving forward over the years, it seems.
Always.
To truly be still? That feels like giving up. Like melting into the background. Like the guy in the movie who’s picture wasn’t remembered, and was fading fast. I have to still the thoughts careening around in my head, first. The what if’s…the used tos….the if onlys…..the how long…all swirl.
A powerful friend and mentor I have grown to love and respect over the years, reminds me that deception is called deception for a reason. The enemy comes to steal, kill, destroy-and is the father of lies. A master-manipulator. A ruler of the darkness and wickedness of this world. That’s enough to keep one on alert for said deception.
If we’re not aware, we can’t fight it.
If we don’t fight it, how can we win?
If we don’t know there is a battle raging, why would we armor up at all?
And therein lies the answer. We armor up daily, because we know there is an enemy. Yes the fight feels physical sometimes, but what’s really happening? There is a battle raging for your mind every day! There is a spiritual war all around us, even as we “speak.” (Ephesians 6:11-17)
Got your helmet?
Our opponent is so good at small “needlepoint” changes in our well-intended direction, sometimes we don’t even notice. But that tiny change after several weeks, months, or even years? Becomes a startling change in direction for a person who is unaware. And if one remains unaware? A huge victory for the opposing side, and a truly sad loss for the winning team.
The big things can feel devastating. But, the little things also matter, y’all. In a big way. The faith that’s small- but true? (mustard seed, anyone?) Can move mountains. Got big faith? Plus-sized faith? Imagine what you can do! If you believe, anything is possible.
If you don’t…well…like the Henry Ford quote says, the same holds true. “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Maybe the path you’re on is not a little thing. Maybe it’s your life.
Do you mind if I ask a few questions, y’all?
Have your steps veered off in a new direction?
Are you on a detour?
Have you missed your turn?
Made a U-turn?
Stopped entirely?
It’s possibly simply time-even medically necessary- to pull over and rest. Your life, and the lives of those around you are too important to ignore that need. Don’t let fear keep you from resting. From following directions. From truly submitting to “ordered steps.” The big question then looms. Will you still reach your destination?
Of course! If you keep going when you’re able. If you don’t quit.
The hard truth? One of the pills most bitter to swallow? You will not make your desired goal in the time you planned. But…the truth also is…while you’re resting, recharging, and refueling…the road can be repaired, cared for, and well-kept, as others reach theirs. The road may even be changing and start to look different, but know you are on the right path, and the end result may become more than you imagined. Better than you could even ask or think. You have seen the signs along the way. The main path may become well-recognized. Well-marked. Well-loved. A favorite. One that everyone will point to, as the best road!
Don’t stress.
It’s ok.
You already know.
So, to recap: If you know us, you know we love a great road trip. Our last road trip in October (We never made it back to Nevada. We didn’t even get an hour down the road!) was the beginning of this detour, and this detour has since become a rest stop.
But.
We can still smile.
We can find the good.
We can have joy.
We trust His plan, and are still on the right road. We are learning more every day, to cherish every day. And, we know we are here for a reason. Nothing happens without purpose, all things work together for good, and we hold fast to the truth that He’s a good, GOOD Father.
When we are able to pull into the traffic again? We’ll be ready!
Yes, y’all. I love a great road trip with my man. He is amazing, and I love him so much. This is a trip unlike any other we’ve taken…and it is turning out to be the best one yet. We just know it.
We will find the good.
We’re all on a journey, y’all. How’s your trip going?
There’s always something good.
Plus-sized faith today,
Donnarae
