2023 has definitely NOT been what I have expected so far. I entered into this year with high hopes for things to go a bit more smoothly than what 2022 seemed to be for me and ideally with less unexpected large and sad things. I was going to have a more consistent routine, be better organized, have more patience as a mom and wife, cook healthier, accomplish more, and FEEL more accomplished. I'm not quite sure why I always expect that with a new year comes the chance to not have things quite as crazy, but it seems year after year, my expectations are high. And yet, this year has started with unexpected job changes for me (enter stress), minor house renovations to accommodate my work (enter more stress and a lot of work), unexpected expenses (yay renos and the deep-freezer dying), and we as a family rung in the new year with a wicked cold that seems to be dragging on forever (ugh). Expectations... dashed.
The honest truth is, just because its a new year, it doesn't mean life doesn't continue to happen, and in the world we currently reside in, that often means we face the realities of brokenness around us. We are limited. Yep, I said it. I am limited. Because of the world we live in, we have limitations to what we are able to accomplish, control and make happen. We don't get to dictate everything that happens in our lives or to us, so often we can be left feeling like we're floundering in the deep end when all these crazy things pile on. Hard right? In the last 9 days I have laughed at the absurdity of things happening, cried in frustration, been grumpy and short, asked "why?!" far too many times, and felt like hiding in my bed a few times to pretend that some of the things were just bad dreams and not actually reality. But, I'm also a bit stubborn. So I dragged myself out of bed and to my kitchen table/counter and opened my Bible and journal. And I found some truth to hold onto and place my hope in as the expectations crumble around my feet.
John 16:33, "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."
Reality is, we are going to face trouble, disappointment, hurts and suffering in this world. It's a guarantee. But, we also have the peaceful assurance that we never face these trials alone. We go in with a King by our side, one who conquered the worst of the world and faced all the suffering humanly possible. One who understands us and will hold us up. So this year, when your expectations feel like they are crumbling down at your feet, hold on to Jesus, the King who conquered the world, and feel His peace settle over you as you hang on to the truth that He brings.
Comments