Call me way behind in the times, but I JUST watched the movie Soul Surfer about Bethany Hamilton on Saturday night. It’s one of those movies I always wanted to see, but wasn’t going to go out of my way to rent, etc. My mom happened to DVR it the other day, so we all watched it together. Yes there were a few cheesy parts, and parts of Carrie Underwood’s performance reminded me of the Sound of Music live TV special, but I really, really loved the message.
Bobby and I are currently going through some unpleasant things in life, and we have said things that, just like the actress who played Bethany said….”I just don’t understand why this is happening to me.” In the movie, Carrie Underwood’s character challenges the kids to see things from a new perspective, that sometimes we are too close in on a situation, and need to back up a bit to try to see more of the big picture.
While I think this is a great thing to do, it is definitely easier said than done. For a control freak like me who likes to know everything NOW, waiting around to see the big picture, or waiting around to see that eventually something good will come of a situation, is not ideal in my mind….especially when I feel like I have already been waiting a long time.
It is my hope that maybe someone else can one day benefit by what we have been through/are going through and hearing our story (which is still in the making), so I do try really hard to set a good example and have a good attitude about it all, even when things don’t turn out as planned.
So, while I know this is a big week for us and could end very happily or with us being very discouraged, I pray that no matter what we will be able to keep it all in perspective and see the bigger picture. I hope you are encouraged today to not get frustrated by things in life, but instead to step back and think.
QOTD: Have you ever wanted answers to come right away, and to be able to see why certain things were happening to you? Did you end up seeing the bigger picture eventually?
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Huge hugs! <3
Here’s one of my new favorite sayings: You can only see God’s plan when you look backward. But you have to live it forward!
That’s really good, Brenda!
great quote!
Its so hard to look at the big picture when you’re in the middle of rough times. I often find myself questioning choices that I have made, but then I look around and know that if not for some of the decisions that I’ve made, I wouldn’t have all the great things I have in my life. When times get rough, I just like to tell myself that everything happens for a reason and that everything will work out in the end. I know its corny and cliche, but its so true. I hope things start to turn around for you soon!
thanks for the encouragement!
Been there more times than I would like. I do know that had I not dealt with the bad stuff, I might not have realized all the good stuff that has happened as well. Things like this certainly give you some perspective. I try to remember that there are people for whom this is their normal. Good luck!
thanks!!! 🙂
I love that movie! I watched it a lot after I was laid off and sitting home unemployed. It gave me hope that there were better things in my future – and there were!! It turned out getting laid off was the best thing that could happen at that time. Keep the faith – I know things will work out for you and Bobby. You’re in my thoughts!
thanks so much Morgan!
Amen sister! I stopped asking God “Why me” and ask him instead “What now” to take direction according to Him and reflect on what I can learn good or bad
great approach!
Great post and question. Yes, I often find myself wondering why something is happening (or not), but I have learned that life will play out and it is on us to control our actions and reactions. Trust is a difficult thing to learn and honor.
yes trust is hard for me in general anyway!
I can completely sympathize with wanting to be in complete control and wanting answers and resolutions immediately instead of having to wait for them to come. Just remember that everything happens for a reason, and it’ll all eventually resolve itself.
I am hoping so, thanks!
I’m a big believer in things happen for a reason. We may not know what that reason is at the time but eventually we do if we’re open to making the connections. It’s not as easy as it sounds but I believe whole heartedly.
def not easy but usually worth it!
I am very much like you…I enjoy being in control of things and it’s hard for me to take a step back and see the bigger picture. I do try very hard to work on this, though!
Sending prayers for you and Bobby that God will guide you through this time in your life and help you see the big picture! :0)
thanks 🙂
I always struggle with wanting to see the big picture *right now* so I can deal with the obstacles directly in front of me. We’ve deal with an awful lot of heartbreak over the last few years and in coping with that, have really seen God’s grace and His work happening all around us. It’s so tough in the moment but the clarity you have once you finally get a glimpse is so powerful. Will pray for you guys this week.
I’m very impatient with answers! I just have to keep reminding myself that God is in control. Hugs girl! I’ll be praying for you! And Soul Surfer is an awesome movie!
thanks friend
My husband and I are going through something similar. We’re waiting to hear back on a job we really need and it’s been months of waiting since the interview process is so long. We have an almost 5 month old boy and it’s been hard to step back and see the positive things when we keep saying “why us” all the time. But we are extremely blessed to have this sweet little boy! I’ll have to check out that movie soon. Praying for you and your family. <3
thank you and I hope both our husbands get jobs soon!
I’ve been there before, and my wife & I are there now. Sometimes looking back I’ve seen the bigger picture, but not always. Right now we’re in the middle of it (have been for more than a year) and wish we could. We know it’ll come some day, but that day is not today.
I wrote a short post on my blog about this very topic quite some time ago–but I still need to be reminded of it often. Maybe the best quote from the post is this, “But life doesn’t have to make sense for me to trust that God is in control. I don’t have to understand exactly what’s happening to know that God is working through it all. In fact, if I only trust Him when life makes sense, what good is that?”
If you want to read the full post, it’s here: http://www.leavingconformitycoaching.com/2010/09/alice-in-wonderland-making-sense-of.html.
will check out the post! Love that quote, it’s so hard sometimes but so true. I try to remind myself when I start to get anxious that if I am acting anxious then it means I don’t trust God to take care of things, and that usually helps me “back off” a bit.
I feel your pain Heather. It sucks when the answer is not right there for you when you want it. God never promises to keep us from hard times. He only promises to walk with us through those hard times. My wife and I are waiting to be chosen by an expectant parent to adopt their child. We’ve been waiting for more than 18 months and have absolutely no clue when God will answer this prayer. There are ebbs and flows when it comes to dealing with the wait. There are times where God feels distant and times where I can see him providing comfort. If you go to iTunes and look for my church’s podcast from May 25th, our pastor talks about how God is here. When times are hard, God is there. When times are amazing, God is there. If you search for the sermon, search for “Mosaic Video Podcast” and the name of the sermon is “God: Part 4.”
I pray that God will give you and Bobby peace as you wait for your answers. I know it’s hard.
oh my goodness. I know so, so many great people waiting to adopt and it breaks my heart. Our house has been for sale for almost 27 months, and bobby is still unemployed. It’s so scary with the baby coming! Thanks for the podcast will try to check it out!
Oh Heather, my fingers are crossed for you guys that everything starts going your way soon! My husband and I are working through some stuff right now as far as our living situation goes right now and it’s been incredibly frustrating, I’m sure in the end it will all work out and we’ll all be looking back at this time and appreciate the lessons it taught us (hopefully!).
thanks! I hope yall get through your stuff, too!
It is hard to have perspective when you are in the midst of something, but even remembering that there is a different perspective can help you get through. I hope you have a good week!
thank you!