Moving forward, embracing the unknown

Many things have been brewing in the shadows — albeit nothing necessarily negative, but sometimes the unknown can seem overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can have peace during the unknown with the grace of Christ.

For me, there are many immediate changes. I no longer have a car, and I’ll be leaving Arizona in a questionable old beast of an RV from 1987 for a new state for an indefinite amount of time — of which I have no clear direction, but that’s okay.

But rewind. Leaving Arizona doesn’t come lightly. First off, I’d be amiss if I didn’t admit that I never expected that such big changes would come without my best friend, aka man’s best friend — Maximus. much could be said about my life — good and bad — but it’s like leaving a part of me behind.

Of course, his memory will continue on in both my heart and mind, but so do many other questions. Questions of my life. Questions about others’ lives. Questions of this country. Questions of this world.

Life is truly a roller coaster of emotions.

Oh of the many things I would like to say, but can’t for the lack of words. Or maybe there is a lack of space in this post. Or maybe it’s just babbling. But mostly, it’s not the time or place. My soul moans for reasons beyond the comprehension of so many people.

I see the pain. I feel the pain. The pains of my own self, but more heavily, the pain of so many around the world.

I don’t leave behind just the memories of Maximus, but others I have met along the way and those who are not in a good way whether by health or homelessness or both. From cancer, insufferable pains, and dementia to being compounded by homelessness — these are but a few of the struggles I see all around me.

The weight of the world has always sat so heavily on my shoulders. Loving can hurt. But love brings life. Love brings peace. But not a peace from this earth. For there is no peace aside from Jesus.

However, peace is also different than what we think. Peace isn’t always calm. In fact, peace often comes with turmoil. Peace is knowing that, despite the circumstances, God is there with us.

I have peace, but that’s not to say I can see the other side. Is the grass greener on the other side? Naw. Struggles come and go. The grass may be greener, but life is all the same. Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it pours. Sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the grass dries out.

Navigating the uncertainties of life, such as significant changes and the loss of cherished companions like Maximus, can be daunting, yet it is possible to find peace through faith in Christ. Despite the emotional roller coaster of personal transitions and the broader pain observed in the world—ranging from health issues to homelessness—love remains a powerful force that brings life and a unique peace that transcends earthly circumstances. This peace, rooted in the presence of God, persists even amidst turmoil, reminding us that while life’s challenges are universal, and while the grass isn’t always greener, hope and resilience endure through spiritual grounding.

Peace be with you.

Love and trees,
NatureCrank