Swimming Through the Storms | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Swimming Through the Storms | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
04/15/21
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Far off the coast of North Carolina stands a retired lighthouse undergoing restoration. The owner mounted cameras, broadcasting live-streamed video views of the surrounding sea and its depths to bring attention to the structure. Often, the weather is testy, and the waves agitated, yet all remains serene in the watery underworld. Dozens of fish swim past the camera -- hovering as if in mid-air, gently rocking with the undulating current. Observing the peaceful scene, one would never know that storms raged in the outer world. It seems that sealife instinctually adapt to their surroundings, patiently going with the flow of their environment.

Unlike sea creatures, adjusting to changes in my life is not so readily carried out. I know not to ask God for patience, for then He would send situations to put patience into practice. Likewise, I don’t seek to leave my comfort zone, yet it happens as quickly as being knocked over by an ocean wave.

For example, the year a very needy 10-year-old child came to live with my lonely 38-year-old self. Yes, it was a challenging time, but oh, but what growth she brought into my life.

Then there’s the season I returned to college for a career change, graduating at age 50 with a degree in social work. Those were tough times, and my life stretched thin as I worked full time, moved into my first condo, and underwent a hip replacement. Yet, my physical, mental, and emotional growth grew exponentially during those years.

As I matured, breaking out of my comfort zone became routine as I worked in the field using my higher education. But now that I’m retired, life is easy — and somewhat dull. Due to pandemic-related restrictions, my busy but leisurely life came to a halt. Laziness became a way of life. I could not go anywhere or do anything, so I became comfortable relaxing in my recliner and reading or playing on the computer. Every single day, for hours at a time.

Now, as the world begins to open up, I need to bloom and stretch out of my lackadaisical life. I know that it’s time to break free from the stronghold of nonchalance, but it’s hard. Unlike past experiences, I’d rather gently rock out of my self-imposed box. Or at least, be unaware of the changing circumstances like the fish in a storm.

Honestly, however, I am hesitant about praying for motivation. Who knows what God has planned for me? I only know that it will be in my best interest and for His glory.

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