“We’ve all got both light and dark inside of us, what matters is the part we choose to act on.”
Albus Dumbledore said this in my all-time favorite movie series, Harry Potter. I’ve always paid attention to different interpretations of themes and symbolism in movies. The way that Harry trusted Dumbledore’s overall plan, although he got hardly any answers from him (in the later movies). The mission took him all over the world and all the while he had no idea what he was looking for. Turns out Dumbledore gave Harry everything he needed, he just didn’t know it at the time.
Yes I chose a Harry Potter reference, no I’m not sorry because it’s awesome and I don’t know about you but I really relate to this.
Most of us, if not all of us have experienced something in our lives that we didn’t understand. A loved one passed away, your heart got broken, a friend broke your trust, you didn’t get the job or promotion you worked so hard for… take your pick. There may have been times when you begged God for something or a certain outcome to a situation and it didn’t go your way. Or maybe you’ve been praying for the answer to that one question that’s been eating you up, but still nothing.
Maybe that was your answer, though, to be patient, or that it’s the wrong time in your life for that thing to happen. What are you going to do then?
A former youth pastor of mine always said, “life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond.” That is something that has stuck with me all throughout life.
“We’ve all got both light and dark inside of us…”
Finding a career I’m passionate about has always been a struggle for me. I’ve worked in the food service industry in many places since high school, I’ve taught dance classes, worked as a receptionist, I’ve even considered joining the military. I’m very task oriented and although I can be slightly introverted at times, I love interacting with people. I spent countless nights praying that the Lord would provide me with an answer on what I’m meant to do with this life, and I still do. I had considered the World Race over the past two years, but the timing never seemed to be right. After talking with a friend about all of this she asked me why I hadn’t applied for a 2020 route.
So fast forward and here we are now! I applied, was accepted, and now I’m writing my first blog post (something I’m kind of dreading now, since I don’t really like doing this kind of thing: it’ll get better, I know). I am preparing mentally, physically, and spiritually for situations I don’t even know about yet. Ultimately I’m having to trust God in ways that take me out of my comfort zone. I have to rely on Him to provide financially for my fundraising goal, I am having to learn how to not only communicate with those I don’t know, but also how to willingly approach them. I also have to prepare to positively respond to whatever unpredictable situation gets thrown my way. Nothing about the uncertain is ever comfortable, but responding humbly and trusting that God is bigger than your current situation will always take you one step forward. We all have tough situations in our lives, and how we respond will ultimately shape the person we will become.
