Knowing

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Years ago, I worked for a large school district. Whenever we hit red tape and roadblocks, my mentor Carol would smile at me and ask, “Can you live with ambiguity?” And each time I’d reply with a grimace and mutter, “Nope.”

I’m one of those recovering perfectionists whose comfort zone is clarity. Understanding who, what, when, how and why is my jam.  Frustration often creeps in when details are MIA. When Life brings questions I can’t answer. And, I’m sure I’m not alone . . .

Everyone keeps asking what I want to be when I grow up, but I have no idea. I’m only 15. When will I know?

Why was my best friend just downsized? She and her husband have a baby on the way, and she’s been so dedicated to that company for years.

Is it time for me to leave my full-time job and start my dream business?

For those of us whose comfort zone is all about having answers at the ready, not knowing can stress us out.  But, no matter how much we try, Life’s questions can’t always be answered how or when we want them. Some questions stump us. Keep us up at night, or wake us up early in the morning, our minds racing way ahead of our alarm clocks. Often, we must allow time to pass so that we can live into our questions, for answers.

And, sometimes, answers won’t come at all.

When this happens, we have a choice:  

Remain frustrated in not knowing the answer,
or trust God who literally knows everything.

My fav Scripture reminds me that God knows the beginning, middle, and end of our stories and that He has our backs:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Jeremiah helped me get through some of my biggest Why moments. When we lost Mom unexpectedly. Caring for Dad in our home when our surprise baby blessed us. When COVID-19 kept me from Dad’s funeral.

But not just big Life moments. So many smaller ones, too, that often feel bigger than they actually are, but can still make me feel out-of-sorts. Jeremiah’s words remind me to rest in knowing that God knows all and holds us in His perfect love every day, in every way.

I breathe easier when I remember Jeremiah 29:11. Hope you will, too.

xo,
karin

5 thoughts on “Knowing”

  1. Tori Reid

    Ah yes… that was needed on so many levels. You, my dear heart, always bless me through your expression and transparency. I am breathing easier with this profound reminder. Thank you. Proud of your stretching and growing, always. You help me so much with mine. Appreciate you. With you.

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  2. Karin

    It is so refreshing to hear from you again! Thank you for sharing such deep insight into yourself. I love reading your posts – so consice yet full! Concerning the content: I must admit I am somewhat in awe, because I do a lot of improvising in my life including guessing at big forks in the road….But maybe that is also because I have some innate trust that everything will turn out all right? Or that the path is the journey? I am so glad you are in my life. I hope all is well with you!

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    1. stretch&grow Post author

      My sweet friend! Thank you always for reading and for sharing your thoughts. I strive for your optimism, consistently. 🙂 And I’m with you on the value of our journeys, trusting that our paths are truly the way into, through and out of everything. Always sending my biggest hugs to you! xoxo

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