Over Christmas holidays, we went as a family, along with two of my sisters-in-law and my niece, to Frozen II. You would think that I would be the most excited about going to the movie- nope. That crown went to Ben. He is a kindred spirit with Elsa, and he loves everything about the movies. After we came out, he promptly downloaded the movie soundtrack onto our Family Playlist. My favourite song is Into the Unknown by Idina Menzel (although the Panic at the Disco version is a close second).
Anyone else feel like Into the Unknown should be the theme music that is playing in the background of life right now? Everything feels so tipsy-turvey, upside down right now. I am a typical Type A-extrovert who, although I am enjoying the downtime, is struggling with the unknown and lack of control that is characterizing life in the moment.
We’ve been pulled from our usual routines and thrust into the unknown. Suddenly, Ben and I are homeroom (plus all the specialities) for a Gr 2, Gr 5, and Gr 7. Even as a teacher (one who has taught Gr 7 before), this is still daunting. For all of those non-teacher parents out there, this is enough to make even trained professionals a little apprehensive. I am still waiting to hear what will be expected of me as a high school teacher for my classes. Hopefully by tomorrow we will know what’s happening and I can make a plan for next week. Then I’ve got to figure out all the tech to make that plan work (and if you know me, you’ll know that tech and are frenemies on the best days).
BUT…
In the midst of all the uncertainty, in the midst of the unknown that seems to creep outside of our windows and doors, there is a certainty that we cannot discount at this time. We trust in God, the maker and creator of all things, who holds time in his hands. We have been working with the boys through Philippians each evening, learning about where our joy comes from. We have taken to heart the following:
We will have joy…regardless that life doesn’t look the same as normal.
We will have joy…even though we do not get to see our friends or participate in activities we had looked forward to
We will have joy…which is based on our perspective of life, not on our life circumstances
We will have joy…even when everything around us seems scary and uncertain
We will have joy…because our hope is in the Lord, and he will always care for us, regardless of the outcomes here on earth
One of the spiritual practices that has become increasingly important to us in the past week is developing a practice of gratitude. Every supper, we go around the table saying one thing that we are thankful for that day. It can be big or little, but this practice allows us to remain grounded in the blessings that we do have, even when life seems unfair or uncertain. I highly recommend everyone develop this practice, taking the time to write them down to look back on. 3 things written down a day turns into almost 1000 in a year. 1000 things to be grateful for.
I don’t know what tomorrow will hold, much less a week, month, or year from now. And as much as it feels like we’re walking into the unknown, I am very thankful that I am walking into the unknown with Ben and the boys. With family and friends connecting through tech over distances and time. With a faith that holds firm to the one who knows all outcomes and who holds us in the palm of his hand. In that light, the unknown isn’t as unknown as it feels.
How are you holding up?
The Grace Narrative 