A few days ago I was talking to my youngest daughter, Kassadi, about all the changes we’ve experienced over the past year. She commented how hard it was to believe how different things were now than from the beginning of last year.
It reminds me of the book title, The Interruption of Everything by Terry McMillan. She’s a great author and I usually read her books right when they come out. But for some reason, I haven’t read this one, and I can’t even find it on any of my bookshelves. Nevertheless, I’m sure I could write my own story using the same title.
My version would be about this family who spent most of the last ten years on the go, running from sport to sport, and season to season, with little breaks in between. The heroine would be this high-strung wife and mother, who meticulously planned out her family’s schedule, based upon her own dreams and desires.
And then, in 2018, her world came crashing down when her daughter experienced a season-ending injury at a track meet, right before entering high school. A torn-PCL paused the family, but she prayed fervently and trusted God to do what seemed impossible – to heal her daughter completely without surgery. She was referred to a great orthopedic doctor and physical therapy practice and her daughter was able to recover within a year.
During the rehabilitation time, when her daughter’s future was uncertain, the mother decided to start a blog and write about how her faith was getting her through the experience, which eventually transitioned into a ministry to encourage people that were going through difficult times and seemingly impossible situations.
Eighteen months after the daughter’s injury, the family received astonishing and unexpected news. The daughter’s PCL was miraculously re-connected and healed despite not having surgery. But the family’s joy was short-lived as the youngest daughter soon received a diagnosis of a knee condition that would require surgery.
The protagonist anticipated her oldest daughter’s triumphant return to track and field, while simultaneously preparing for her youngest daughter’s surgery and expected lengthy recovery. Then, everything was interrupted. The region was shut down due to a worldwide pandemic. Sports were canceled and the surgery was postponed indefinitely.
Sound like an interesting story to you? Do you wonder how it’s going to end? Yep, me too! The reality of everything going on has made me really question if I trust God’s plan, even when His plan seems to have completely detoured mine? Honestly, what do you do when you’ve spent years planning and dreaming for your children’s future, only to find yourself in a situation where your life is drastically different than you’d thought it would be?
I remember the great anticipation I had at the start of 2020. The start of a new year and new decade, new beginnings, and new opportunities. I guess it was foolish of me not to anticipate new challenges and new struggles as well. The roller coaster of an amazing and unexpected MRI report, followed by a devastating MRI diagnosis, the onset of a pandemic, which led to changes in every area of our lives, followed by the death of a loved one as a result of the pandemic had left me in an extremely vulnerable position.
Nothing about my life looked familiar, except that God was still there. What I had thought was the toughest situation I ever had to go through in 2018, prepared me for what was to come in 2020. The same way I had trusted God while not knowing what my daughter’s future looked like allows me to trust God even now. It’s been a full year with no sports, and I’m constantly wondering if we are making the right choice.
As Kennedi moved through her elementary and middle school years, I remember anticipating the day I would cheer in the stands while watching her run around the track in high school. I always joked I’d have a cowbell and would be the loudest parent there, completely embarrassing her. Kennedi is a junior in high school, and that day still hasn’t come.
Sports for the most part picked up during the start of the school year, and in some cases across the country, it never really ended. Every time I saw a post on social media about someone’s child playing their respective sport, praising an achievement, or celebrating a college scholarship, I felt something in the pit of my stomach. Not exactly sure how to describe it, but it’s… something.
If I’m not careful, that “something” can spiral to unbridled worry about how my choice to sit Kennedi out during this pandemic will impact her future. The added concern for a year of virtual learning and diminished social engagement also threatens to intensify the level of worry. To counter that, I remind myself to trust God, even through the uncertainty.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
I often wonder – what if Kennedi’s injury never happened? What if she continued on her expected path, never experienced injuries, and progressed through her athletic career? What if I hadn’t found God so deeply in those dark days? I may not be in a position to encourage others who are hurting and fighting hopelessness if I never experienced my own pain.
I don’t know what the future holds – I don’t know where my daughter is going to college, or if she’ll play a sport like we always dreamed.
Do I need to know? It would be nice, but I’m in a place of peace, just following God’s lead because I still trust that He has an amazing plan for my entire family. So, although I’m in the middle of my interruption, it’s OK because God is in complete control. He’s in the driver’s seat, and I’ve moved all the way to the back. And now I need a book to read until we get to our destination.
Maybe I will finally read The Interruption of Everything. I wonder how that story will end. Just have to find it first…
CLOSING CHALLENGE
Has your life been interrupted unexpectedly? Are you experiencing challenges with the direction you are going in, or with the uncertainty of the pandemic? Or maybe you’re struggling with unfulfilled goals and dreams?
Resolve to trust God through any uncertainty, worry, or fear that you may be experiencing, with the reassurance that He is always directing your path.
PRAY WITH ME
God,
Thank you for the path you have me on. Even though it feels uncomfortable and uncertain, today I choose to trust you, in spite of how I feel, because I know that you are directing my path.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Feel free to respond in the comments section… and share this story with someone in your life that could use the encouragement.
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I thank you for sharing this post!!! Everything from the title to the content you shared so transparently resonates with me. I am encouraged to keep applying Proverbs 3:5,6 in this daily walk, which at times is filled with interruptions that truly test whether or not I am positioning God as Lord of my life (capital L) or lord of my life (lower case l).
I am also reminded of the song: “My Times are in His Hands” (Lashun Pace-Rhodes)
Thanking God for your ministry!
Hi Katrina! Praise God for His leading. And yes, it is a daily disciple to make Him Lord! And I will check out that song!
Every week Destined 4 The Dub brings me back to life! Thank you for your obedience.
Thank you Crystina! It is giving me life too! So grateful to God.
Tonya, I have followed your journey, prayed along with you and always have been encouraged by your words. While your oldest was going through her trials,my daughter was graduating from highschool,preparing for college and absolutely crushing everything she touched. Then life got interrupted with seizures and an mind shattering diagnosis of Epilepsy. Talk about taking your breath away. But your words and reflections kept me calm and centered in God’s word. You consistently reminded us that God is in control. I am happy to report that she has been seizure free for the last year and continues to thrive in College. We never know when those Interruptions of Everything will occur but I am grateful for your transparency because you were a wonderful inspiration to me. Be blessed.
This is such a beautiful testimony! I was fighting back tears as I was reading, God is so gracious. I’m so thankful that my words and experience were a source of encouragement for you as you experienced your own “interruption”. Praise God for His plan at work in your daughter’s life and I pray she continues to thrive and fulfills every purpose God has for her life.
I would love to connect with you and hear more about your story. I’m gearing up for a podcast and would love to speak to you, and also possibly write about your story as well. Please send email a message from the website or connect on social media @destined4thedub on Facebook or Instagram. Thank you SO much for sharing this.
Thank you for being transparent and following God’s lead. This spoke to me in ways you will never know and encourages me to hold on to him in times of uncertainty
Dennika – Praise God, what a blessing to know this. Praying for you and your family – that God’s will be done, and that He would give you peace when things around you appear uncertain. He’s got you!