Beautiful Mess

Sometimes the thing I want to do most is fast forward.

In moments weary with frustration I am capable of convincing myself that whatever is around the corner – next week, next month, next year – will be better. I’ll be happier and life will fall into place exactly the way I always knew it would. I want to be there – the place perfect lives – now, not here where life has conveniently forgotten that I’ve made other plans for it.

But we all know that’s not possible. Life is lived moment by moment, marching with the same steady cadence through seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow, indifferent to my ease or discomfort. And so I am learning through uncomfortable days to march along, choosing to look for the beautiful moments God has positioned in the middle of the mess.

This is your life. Sit down deeply in your beautiful mess. Don’t try to get up. Don’t strain your eyes to look forward or turn your chair around to see what is behind you. Have purpose in your gaze. See what I see. Thank me for what is before you. Set apart this present life, this moment I have given you, and fully drink of the cup I have given you. For it is not until you do this that I will do wonders with your tomorrow.
– Rachel Hamann, Responding to Love

I still pray that tomorrow ushers in the answers we’ve been waiting for. But in the meantime I will breathe deeply the wonder that today brings and consciously remember to live every moment I’ve been given.