Relax, We Can Handle It

 

We are making the transition from military to civilian life, which includes us stepping out of our coddled military bubble and having to think about things like health, life, disability and malpractice insurance, not to mention the absolute need for an accountant and a myriad of career choices that we haven't felt for quite some time.  We also wrote up our will, got a power of attorney, and declared our wishes for end of life issues.  Nothing quite makes you sit up and take notice that life is whizzing by until you start thinking about whether you want to be fed through a tube if you are ever incapacitated.  Facing some major milestones, like our 20 year anniversary and Paige applying to (gulp) college, have likewise caused a little anxiety and uneasiness around these parts. 
 
With all of this change and uncertainty, I have had to remind a few people around here that change does not equal BAD or SCARY or DOOM! Susan Jeffers wrote an amazing book called "Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway" where she talks about how our biggest fear is that we won't be able to handle whatever life throws at us in the future. She says that realizing we actually can handle whatever comes will help us overcome any other fears we might have.

 I can honestly say that I get excited for change and the future.  I'm not sure why, but I have always felt like there is something inherently good about growth, even if that means trial.  I'm not saying I love to have trials, but I do understand that they help me learn more about myself and that is an exciting thing to me.  I think it is also the essence of what faith is.  It's really just knowing deep down that everything will work out for the best because God is in charge. 
I found this picture of me in the tree in front of my great grandma Ogden's house in Richfield.  It reminds me of a moment in time when I felt relaxed, happy, and hopeful of my future.  There is obviously a chance I could have fallen, but if I hadn't climbed the tree I wouldn't have felt the joy or had the perspective I got from being up there. And if I had fallen I could have learned more about mistakes, forgiveness and healing. 

 I'm going to choose to keep climbing trees because I realize that with the Savior's daily help WE can handle anything!

Comments

  1. JodiSeptember 11, 2013 at 3:36 PM

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  2. KatieSeptember 11, 2013 at 11:05 PM

    Leave it to the Park's to catastrophize (SP??) the future. Nick tells me I'm quite good at it! HAHA!! I LOVE that book! That is also my ALL TIME favorite quote, along with "It's all happening perfectly."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Eric and RozanneSeptember 12, 2013 at 11:18 PM

    I love your perspective! We haven't done the will thing yet, but we probably should be thinking a little more seriously about things like that too. :) Yes, change can be scary, but it can be exciting and a growing experience too.

    ReplyDelete

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