Hanging On

Sometimes in life, we are caught by a storm that takes us by surprise. Other times, we see it coming and  the best we can do is run for shelter. In my life, I have had my fair share of storms but every time, I come out of one, I'd like to think I am a little stronger and a little wiser. Unfortunately, the one thing I still haven't mastered is "the worry," when the storm comes. My dance in the storm is more like an angry polka, or an uncoordinated salsa. Anyone else with me here? For some reason, I see the storm coming and I panic. My mind starts spiraling into all the worse case scenarios and I start making plans on how to stop it. I build up such anticipation and fear of the unknown outcome. Then, I pray for peace and wisdom. Funny! The first thing I should be doing is the last thing I do. In those moments of giving it to God, I trust and take the attention off myself and the storm seems to take on a new form. As time goes on and I trust more, the storms seem to pass a little quicker than they did before. The next day and even months, as things actually play out, God answers.

Yesterday, I was on a run and heard this song by Tate Stevens (you can laugh, Rebecca!) and it reminded me to hang on in those tough moments of life. Sometimes,


"You gotta ride it out
You gotta finish strong
Grab it by the reins and just hang on
Dig your heels in, pull your hat down
When it starts to spin
You just ride it out."

Not only was I thinking I gotta ride out this run (because face it, running is dreadful) but I gotta ride out whatever else I may be faced with, because storms will come and go throughout our lives. Riding it out doesn't necessarily mean we sit back and wait, but we hang on. We hang on to the reins of hope and peace and to the things that really matter. Whatever storm you may face, eventually it will pass. As you are riding it out, enjoy the moments of God's grace and mercy on your life.