Sometimes you think you know where you are going. You can look at the next few months or years and see how they will be unfolding. Day after day the basic events of the day stay the same. There is something wonderfully comfortable about that.
Sometimes you have no idea where you are going to. Life shifts from its predicable pattern and routine to something totally unexpected. This may be fun and exciting for some you . Others of us may find it scary or unsettling.
It happens in an instant. You may wake up to what looks like a “normal” day with you on the computer editing a blog post, your son at his work table drawing a picture of jellyfish and your husband at his job of twenty years. Suddenly the garage door opens and change follows your husband’s car into the garage.
Change of this kind has shifted the life of my family in the last month and has hit many families in the last six or seven years. One day you have job and a mere twelve hours later you don’t.
Just as JDaniel crossed a bridge along a hiking trail we were on a few weeks ago we find ourselves at a split in the path of our lives. We may wish we could continue on the path, but we are being given the opportunity to step onto the beginning of a new trail. The first trail looks like a fine place to walk, but it isn’t the one the sign is pointing out that you to follow.
Standing with our toes edging over the beginning of the new trail we are left with many questions.
What town will be living in? Where will my husband find a job? Where can I find a job? Where will JDaniel start kindergarten in the fall?
We honestly haven’t any answers to those questions. We know we have faith that God will be with us on this journey on the new trail. He has challenged me to not pray for a miracle that would allow us to stay right where we are. (Though I would rejoice if this were His plan.) My prayers instead need to be focused on the fact that I have no idea where we are going, but that I need Him to help me keep my heart is open to His plan.
Just as JDaniel had to pause to look for signs along the new hiking trail we walked a few weeks ago, we find ourselves looking for the painted trail markers on our new path that will help guide us on this journey. We are pausing to pray often that signs will come quickly guiding us know where we need to be.
It isn’t easy to be patient and scan the horizon for small glimpses of where we might be going to. We are trying to enjoy the time we have this summer as a family. We are using the time we have to bond together through hikes and various other activities we love to do in and around the amazing town we live in.
How about you? Do you know where you are going to? Do you know what life is showing you?
This post is linked a wonderful link up called Memories Captured and Alphabe Thursday.
Oh Gosh, this really hits home for me. We have been through this a few times since 2008, and I can tell you that it is always hard. But, I also have faith, just like you have that everything will work out in the end. It is hard when you are in the middle of it, though. Thinking of you.-Ashley
Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry that y’all are having to go through this, but I think you have a really great attitude about it. The things that are supposed to be will be.
This cannot be easy for your family but what strong faith you have! I hope everything works out…and I have faith that it will.
I’m sorry to hear this. You all have such a strong family cohesion, no doubt you’ll make the most of the situation. I hope that he will find the right job very soon. Hugs to you all!
That is a LOT to think about. Sending you guys prayers for lots of signs pointing you in the direction that is were you were meant to flourish. I know you guys will come through this, but must be a lot to have on your mind. Sending prayers and hugs!
wow, that gives me a lot of thinking to do! I know you and your family will find the right path…
I can’t really answer the answer yet but somehow it’s not necessary for now. here’s hoping we all find our way.
have a great day.
Sending you our prayers. We are riding on the same boat at some point but, we will get there…we will find a way.
Hugs,
Scudds
Sometimes I do not know where, but the important thing is disdrutar and be happy by the way!
I’m sorry that your family is at this tough stage in life right now. I do hope things work out for all of you, and your way will be made clear soon.
I’m not sure I ever really know where life is taking me or my family members. Like you, I just do my best to trust that God has us on the right path.
I wish you well in trying to see this new bend in the road as an adventure. It isn’t easy, but it’s clear you know where tje best Help is found.
=)
Hope everything works out. We’re kind of in a similar situation but I don’t know. We just lost our car to a break down and won’t have another till next year we hope and my husband isn’t sure he’ll have a job come next month. So yea… crossing my fingers for both of us then ♥
A beautifully written post about a difficult situation !! I hope that it all works out. I lost my job recently and due to being in the software printing industry which is going the way of the dinosaurs it is not as if I’ll find a similar one.
First, a very beautiful and heart felt post. Second, this is so hard on a family–especially in these times. Usually, we think we know what direction we are headed, until life throws us a curve ball. I will be praying for you and your family. You guys will find the right path soon.
what a difficult trial. I face this one frequently, as the husband comes home from school and says the dreaded words, “I don’t know if I want to be an engineer anymore…” as he has one semester left after three years finishing off what should have only taken us 4 semesters.
He’s done this frequently in our lives. Changing his mind as to what he wants to do to provide for our family. And all I want is security of a stable job and a stable income. It really throws me for a loop. And I have a crash moment.
It usually takes me a while to turn to God. I know he is there waiting, but I always fall apart first. Then pick myself up and try to do the very thing you are doing now. Praying for an open heart and faith that He will lead us to where we need to go.
This is beautiful – it gave me chills. It sounds like you are all such a strong family, I know you’ll be okay.
life definitely has put a few curve balls in my path as of late. Loved your post and I’ll keep you guys in my prayers that the trail will end at one beautiful happy place.
I need to learn from you! You have a beautiful attitude. I am sure God will show your family the way. Praying that God sees you through this tough patch. Thank you for writing this post, it has happened to us as a family and I know it is really hard to keep your mind-set and be positive.
-Veena
I certainly hope that you will find this new path and follow it as a family. I find myself now considering my career options as well (voluntarily so far), so I know difficult this change can be, especially when it comes unexpectedly. All the best to you in your next step on the road of life!
Not having a job is tough in this economy. However, I believe when one door closes another one opens into something better than before. Have faith. It’s a scary time. Hugs.
Good luck hun!! I’ll keep you in our prayers… When my husband was in the military we moved every year! I didn’t know anyone, I had to get a new job, new house, new friends… It’s not fun but it’s possible!! Keep your faith! 🙂
Oh no, unemployment is so rough. My husband was laid off twice last year, for a month each time, and even knowing he’d be able to get another job, the stress of trying to find the right new job was awful. I’m so glad to hear you’ll be focusing on doing things as a family this summer. In our case, he focused on applying for jobs the whole time, and at the end of the year I realized he hadn’t gotten a vacation at all, even though he’d been out of work for a sixth of the year. I wish I’d insisted we make the most of at least a few of those days! I hope you find your new path soon, and that it’s a beautiful one to walk down.
I love that top photo! It really sums up the post 🙂 good luck with your tough decisions, and I will be sending hope your way.
I’m sorry to hear about your husband losing his job. My husband is looking for a job right now, and it’s sometimes hard to think about where life may lead us to next. I hope y’all find a path that leads you to a better life.
I am so sorry — I will be thinking of you. It is such a tough time right now. I was laid off last year and started over…it’s been a crazy 9 months, but I feel like I am getting to where I want to be. Hopefully your new path will lead to wonderful opportunities for your family!
PS. I LOVE that bridge photo!
Sorry to hear you are going through a rough time! Good thoughts your way for you and your family!
Beautiful post, although I’m sorry you’re going through a difficult time. I’ll be praying for your family.
How rare and scary are those moments between the times we seem to have life figured out and our busy schedules in place. I know you all will land on your feet. What a wonderfully thoughtful interlude you are making this time be.
I am sorry you are dealing with this…
Hugs to you
wow… such amazing words. you truly have a gift to touch the heart. thinking of you.
I am so sorry your family got this unexpected news.
It sounds like you are dealing with it fairly well.
I will definitely keep you in my thoughts as you continue on your path.
You have such an amazing way with words that it is always a delight reading your posts.
Thanks for linking to the letter “D”!
A+
I can certainly relate to this in some ways. I am so sorry your husband lost his job and that things are uncertain right now but I really believe it will work out in the end. But yes, the time in “limbo” and the patience, those are hard to deal with. Thinking of you…