Living Life on the Edge of Uncertainty

For the second week in a row, I spent the day in the ER with my husband. His health has been a rollercoaster ride since November and has left us feeling as if we are constantly on the edge of the next emergent situation. We would happily give up our ER frequent flier designation.

Much in life is joyous and calm, but many times we are on the edge of the next emergency, unexpected occurrence, trial, or heartache. Life is like that—joy and peace swirled with unexpected heartache and difficulty. How do you cope with uncertainty without giving in to fear?

In my experience, I have found the following help me live life on the edge of uncertainty:

Cherish Moments of Peace

Sunday afternoon, my husband and I watched the first season of a World War II drama we had already seen. Jim said, “I’m catching so many more details this time around that add depth to the story.” He is right. We don’t always appreciate the full story of our lives until we reflect and savor the details.

That afternoon, watching the series, I viewed the difficulties of that time in history juxtaposed against the struggles of our current time. I saw so many similarities and was reminded that violence, corruption, unrest, and uncertainty are nothing new. And in that moment, instead of feeling fearful, I experienced peace knowing that others survived hardship and maintained forward motion even if progress was put on hold for a time.

I feel the same sense of peace about living life on the edge of uncertainty, knowing that when life seems so beyond our control, there is One who sees, knows, and orders our steps. In times of war, pandemic, unrest, and uncertainty, it is possible to find and relish moments of peace.

Seek Support

Some people pride themselves on appearing strong and in control in every situation. When life falls apart, the last thing they would do is ask for help because they feel it makes them look weak. How sad that they deny themselves the support of family and friends for the sake of appearances.

When we endure difficulties, it is comforting to know family and friends are thinking of us, praying for us, and willing to do anything they can to help. When you find yourself in an on-the-edge season of life, don’t go it alone. Accept support, realizing those who are willing to help do so with hearts of love and no thought toward judgement.

Expect to Flex

Living life on the edge of uncertainty is difficult for those who like to plan and have their lives obey those plans. Often, life is life a disobedient child, going its own way without concern for the consequences created by its unwieldiness.

Living in a state of flex, going with the flow, lessens the stress of uncertainty. Flexing allows you to find some sort of normal when nothing goes as planned. Flexibility lets you enjoy what others might consider mundane and adjust your perception in ways you didn’t think were possible. Flexibility helps you experience the unwanted and unpleasant with grace and peace.

Lean on Faith

If I allowed it, I could be extremely fearful about the potential for unrest in our country today, and in the days ahead, but I choose to exercise trust and lean on faith for what lies ahead. Sadly, hostility and violence have always been part of the human condition, but faith transcends man’s inhumanity to man. Faith is the glue that holds life together when everything seems to be falling apart. In these uncertain times, let faith be your anchor, your hope, and the light for your next, potentially uncertain, steps.

Establish my footsteps in [the way of] Your word; Do not let my human weakness have power over me [causing me to be separated from You.] Psalm 119:133 AMP

©CandyArrington

Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).

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