Monday, April 5, 2010

Shaken But Not Baked

Living here in Southern California all of my life, you would think that I'd be used to the earth shaking every now and then. NOT!!

I would be lying if I told you that it didn't bug me one single bit to feel the earth moving for 45 seconds and wondering when it's going to stop. Or, being woken up to aftershocks to a point where I had to pray to finally calm down and get back to sleep.

My first reaction was to look at TV Boo as we colored eggs and decide whether to bolt outside or ride the waves. We decided to head outside instead of taking the eenie meenie miney moe route.

As strange as it may be, shaking produces results. It tests the foundation of where you are in life. Just when you think that you're on stable ground, a loss of a loved one, a layoff from your job, a terminal illness, or cheating spouse can start the ground shaking. How you respond to that shaking and the aftershocks after the initial shakes will determine your resilience and determination. You rise above the uncertainty, fear, insecurity and realize that this is truly out of your control. There is nothing that can be done to prevent the shaking but just ride the waves.

Then after the massive shaking comes the unpredictable aftershocks. Oh, you know they are on their way. Though not as strong as the first, they are the little things that happen like car trouble, late for work, a disagreement with your child, a stubbed toe or a sick pet.

James 1:2-4 (ESV) says 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, [1] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Although I'm not saying, "Bring it on," I'm going to do my best to ride the shaking and anticipate what lies ahead.

Have you ever had to ride the waves? If so, what brought you through it?

19 comments:

Menopausal New Mom said...

Hi Simone, I too have experienced an earthquake firsthand, happened the second night after we landed in New Zealand and it is very disorienting for those of us who are not used to it.

Personally, I've always turned to family to help ride out the "earthquakes" of life. I'm blessed!

Anonymous said...

I'm riding the wave right now. I have a lot of issues going on and I can't figure out how to start to fix them.

Beautiful written!

Leslie said...

I've felt a few too here in Northern California... and I still can't get used to them! Glad you are doing okay.

Stacy said...

More often than I'd like to admit it's sheer stubbornness that lets me ride out life's waves. My pride keeps me from wanting anyone to see me "fail" at something. Once in a while, though, I get it right and remember that God uses trials to teach us things we need to know. During those times I trust Him and rely on Him. Those times always go so much better than when it's me trying to hang on. You'd think I'd learn to let go more often.

Deidra said...

I feel like I've been riding the wave the last four years of my life. That verse you quoted helps get me through. And trusting that God is there, even though He's often silent and seems so far away.

Terra said...

You bring up a good point about riding the waves, whether it is of an earthquake or difficulty in life.
Turning to the Bible and Scripture like the verse you quoted is a big help to me and to many other people.
I'm glad to hear that you rode out the earthquake ok.

Formerly known as Frau said...

I'm glad you and your family are okay! riding the wave is scary and forceful but it's the only way to the land. Love your new look!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a great analogy of life in comparison to an earthquake. I sure prayed for ya girl when I first heard of the quake. I'm so glad your safe.

One of the most horrific earthquakes in America was in Missouri and we do feel the tremors every now and then, everyone keeps sayin' the big one will come again.

During times of trouble I go to the Rock of my Salvation.

God bless your day!!!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

You are a philosopher at heart, Simone! What a great metaphor!

I've ridden the waves more times than I can count....just like everyone has, if they're being honest...what brings me through every single time is the Lord.

Mari said...

I love the way you applied that earthquake to life. So true!

Heart2Heart said...

Simone,

Yes and each time I ride through that shaking and times of trial I always learn something from it. During my latest trials I have learned that God is faithful and true and comforts you when you least expect it.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Lin said...

Like an earthquake, those bumps and rolls of life can only rock those whose foundation is weak. Sometimes there are things going on that make our "structure" shake a bit more than we like, but if there is a good foundation, we just roll with the shockwaves.

How scary to go through the earthquake. We had a small one 2 years ago that lasted about 30 seconds, but it felt like eternity!! I hope you are okay.

Unknown said...

Years of living San Diego experiencing numerous earthquakes we didn't feel anything in Las Vegas.
While watching today's news I saw locals ceiling lights swaying and tons of waves in the pools.

Yes, as the waves increase we have to learn to just enjoy the ride or at least get a big boat.

Vegas Linda Lou said...

Beautiful post, Simone! I imagine you to be the nicest person on earth.

As you know, I rode the waves of my second divorce by writing a book about the aftershocks. And it's good that everything got shaken up--as it turns out, I'm much better off!

Buckeroomama said...

Great analogy, Simone. Earthquakes are a force of nature and there's not much we can do much about them other than ride them out. So, too, with life. Sometimes we just have to ride out the hard times. We just need to keep the faith.

Sweet Tea said...

Scary stuff!

Never had the ground shake under my feet, but I've certainly had my personal world shake. The prayers of friends got me through when I could hardly muster a prayer for myself.

Sweet Tea said...

Hey Girl,
I want to ask you a question.
Please send me an email at
bunkodeb@aol.com

I can reply with my question.
Thanks!

Chapters From My Life said...

My sister was running the ceiling fan on full speed and my brother protested because it was all shaky with the speed... she refused to slow it down. Me and my brother walked out of the room because it was making us nervous and then the earth started rumbling and shaking ... we thought the fan had fallen down on our sister at first, then realized it was not that.. at last it dawned on us when everything was stable that may be it was an earth quake... In my place it was mild and no lives lost. The experience was fearful..
As for the life.. breast cancer, special needs child, societal pressure have been the shocks.. my will power and positive attitudes help me survive them...

25BAR said...

did you tweet whilst the earth shook?

 

Template by BloggerCandy.com | Header Image by Freepik