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?
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?
Comments
Personally, I've always turned to family to help ride out the "earthquakes" of life. I'm blessed!
Beautiful written!
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.
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!!!
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.
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
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.
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.
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!
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.
I want to ask you a question.
Please send me an email at
bunkodeb@aol.com
I can reply with my question.
Thanks!
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...