Saturday, July 11, 2009

Timing


I'm realizing more and more how important timing is in regards to everything in our lives. Yeah, I'm 27 now so I'm very deep and reflective all of a sudden. Enjoy these nuggets of wisdom ;)

I've realized that timing and the events that are seemingly out of our hands are the means of getting us from step to step in the journey of our lives. I have often bemoaned the bad timing of things in my life, but looking back, if I were to change certain events, I wouldn't be where I am now. I love my life and how it has turned out, so I am extremely grateful for how timing has worked out for me.

One of the worst experiences of my life has ended up being a blessing in disguise. When I was in high school I was little Miss Volleyball. I played almost everyday and I was good. My sophomore year brought about a back injury that just got worse and worse over the next few years. I was prescribed muscle relaxers and went through the last few years of high school playing through the pain. I had several colleges contact me but it was useless because of my back injury. After high school I took three years off of school to be a bum and do some wallowing...not fun. 

I realize now that if I would have gone to college on a volleyball scholarship, I would have a political science degree and not feel a fraction of the passion and satisfaction that I get from my current field. I still get emotional at volleyball games (seriously, I cry a little because I miss it so much), but this is exactly where I should be. I am so grateful for this bad back and how perfectly the timing has worked out for me.

I know that we all experience hard times and often find ourselves asking "why"? I did today and I had to stop and think about timing. My life in my hands can be a very scary idea, but my life in God's hands and on His time schedule is a miraculous and beautiful thing. He has a schedule for us and often times, it doesn't match ours.  I know He is aware of me and my situation, as He is aware of you and yours.  

Our church has a biannual conference every Fall and Spring and one of the messages from last Fall struck me to my core. Even if you are not a member of my faith, I think these are good words to live by -

"Come what may, and love it" 
- Joseph Wirthlin (full article found here)

No matter what we face everyday, find joy in it. Love your trials because they are tailored to you to make you the very best you there is. In the midst of heartache and pain, find happiness because that is one of the only true success' we can achieve in this life. Find love and hold on to it. 

Please don't read this and think that I perceive my life as perfect, for it is far from it.  Taking my own advice is something I struggle to do everyday but in the struggle I have found joy and love. I long for a better understanding of myself and why certain things have played out the way they have, but for now, I will find joy in the steps along this crazy journey.

I love you.  I do.

6 comments:

Amber said...

that was great! and very very true. I needed to read that today.

Kristy said...

Well said Rachel! You are awesome!

Jerilyn said...

I love that talk...and I totally agree. Its just actually applying it that is the hard part- its scary!

Dave and Lizzie said...

That was great! Something we all need to be reminded of, at least I do. Thanks :)

Unknown said...

I love you Rachel and I'm so glad you are where you are today so that I can be a part of it. You rock!

rebecca said...

its now on my list of things to read...