Be okay with not understanding

So much in life is not understood.

Events take place, some good some bad. Relationships blossom or are broken. Sickness occurs. Wins and losses happen daily. The “why’s” of the negative eat our lunch.

The tendency is to look at things from a worldly, fact-based standpoint.

But, what if there is deep meaning in your life beyond what you know today?

A heard a saying once that went something like this…

Traveling the journey of life is like walking the path holding a lantern. You can only see about two feet in front of you. However, when you turn around, the entire path is illuminated.

In the book of Matthew, a lady pours expensive perfume on the head of Jesus.

While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:6-13

Looking at the facts, the perfume was expensive. From an earthly standpoint, this made no sense. However, what was defined as “waste” by the disciples was foreshadowing the death on the Cross. The purpose would be magnified later in life.

A friend recently shared a Chinese proverb, summarized below.

A man’s horse runs away. Neighbors pity him, but he says, “Who knows? This might be a blessing.”

The horse returns with a strong steed — now they rejoice. The old man warns, “Who knows? This may bring misfortune.” The man’s son breaks his leg riding the horse.

A war breaks out and his son can not go to battle because of his broken leg.

Later, while other young men die in battle, his son is spared.

The proverb captures the essence of unknowns involved with events. Many times, one can’t correctly ascertain if situations are good or bad. Only time will tell.

Maybe today, everything is falling in line. The wins are accumulating. The wind is at your back. Remember, that wind changes direction. Rejoice in the blessings, knowing that all is temporary.

Maybe today, the facts are pointing negative. The world is not making sense. Sometimes, rather than trying to figure out the situation, we have to rest knowing that only time will provide the understanding. Seasons do change.

Everyone will face positive and negative in their life. It is uncontrollable. If we allow our emotions to direct us, life will be an uncontrollable roller coaster.

The truth is that there is only One in control that has a view of our entire life’s journey.

Find rest in Him. He is the Anchor.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

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