Have you ever travelled along a path in life, come around the bend and were faced with something that looked like this canyon wall? Maybe it was a physical ailment, an emotional pain, a financial hardship or loss of a friend. Or perhaps it was a combination of elements that together created the perfect storm in your life.
Just as I was wrapping-up my third decade of life on this rock, I came into my personal perfect storm. In the course of a few short years my father passed away, we lost three children to miscarriage, went through some physical suffering, experienced a rocky road in my job oversees returning early, transitioned professionally, moved into a new ring of social relationships and spiritual community, and relocated our family. It took a number of years to work through all these challenges and get our feet back on the ground.
Approaching a decade later I now appreciate more than ever what I learned and how that experienced shaped my life. Through it all I found shelter and strength in God. I am thankful that He protected me from growing cynical as some of the darts that came my way were from people that bear His name. People are people and they can do really goofy stuff, myself included. It’s easy to transfer flawed character of humans onto God when in fact, the opposite should be true. Life in Him should mean His character working in us.
So I’ve emerged through this decade, approaching 40 and excited about what’s to come. In many ways I feel much younger than I did at 32 and much more at peace in my life as I move towards the future. The challenges loom large. It’s not going to be an easy climb, but oh the view from the top is going to be amazing. And what’s on the other side? I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out.
8 Comments
Yep…. I’ve had more than a few canyon walls in my life!
And as is most often the case… we learn, grow, and expand as we embrace them.
As you mention, the difficult part is to not become cynical and angry…
Nice article Phil!
Jen
Thanks Jen, yes difficult indeed. Sometimes it just takes time, months and even years to work out some of these events. Not giving-up is the important thing I believe.
I’m with you all the way on this one. I’m still getting over the getting over of the last huge wall in my life and yet I know that wall is still with me and must be faced again. Still I have my council to thank for a monumental wall that they have put up just for me. Not as hard as the last but just as draining.
Matt, Brother hang in there through this adversity. It can be painful and frustrating. Staying the course and not bailing-out is sometimes the most critical thing you can do and often the hardest part. If I could go to bat for you in person I would.
Wait, so cynicism is not a desirable trait?
It’s interesting that you choose to focus on 32 as a focal point, I am 33 now, and often wonder what 40 will bring.
Nice post Phil.
Dave, For me the 40’s look more appealing than the 30’s. Getting established in a career, starting a family, building healthy patterns in marriage all take a tremendous amount of work. I don’t think life is ever easy but it’s a great feeling to have moved through that very demanding phase of life adjustment. I’ll let you know how it goes, but I’m liking what I’m seeing so far. Our culture is so fixated on youth, perhaps because many people have so many regrets in their life I don’t know. The truth is age can bring a measure of wisdom and perspective.
Hello Phil,
Keep trusting God even when you don’t understand! Difficult at times? Yes! Impossible? No! I’ve learned so much more about God and myself after Adversity decided to strike. God never let me down.
Peace
Manchild
Manchild, Yes, so very true. I believe there are times in the midst of adversity where all that was holding me was the hand of God. In those times we learn much about ourselves and the One who made us. Perhaps it is those times where we see the difference and learn how to really trust Him. Thanks for your wonderful thoughts.