Uncertainties

Life is full of uncertainties.  What will happen tomorrow?  What about the things I don’t know today?  What if tomorrow catches up with me?  It is as if our efforts to live in the present are shaped, formed, and even haunted by the uncertainties and fears about the moment to come.  There is nothing we can do to eliminate our feelings.  I’m not sure it is even worth the effort to try.  We can employ all kinds of techniques to mitigate our stress, deal with our anxiety, and change our viewpoint, but the reality of the uncertainties in your life and mine will remain.
 
When I look at how people have dealt with the challenge, I find there is a common approach I often try to avoid; ask and deal with everything in the cold light of day.  Basketball coaches confront players when they are not playing their “A” game.  People might not like it.  It may seem uncomfortable.  It can be difficult.  However, unless the questions are posed, nothing is possible.  Even Jesus confronted his followers.  He “knew they were dying to ask him what he meant, so he said, ‘Are you trying to figure out among yourselves what I meant when I said, ‘In a day or so you're not going to see me, but then in another day or so you will see me’?’” (John 16.19)
 
The answers that followed, for players and students alike, helped.  They may not deal with everything.  They may not relieve the burden that one must carry.  They may not even provide immediate comfort.  However the conversation, answers, and insights all spring from the fact that the questions were and are out in the open for all to deal with.
 
I wonder if I am willing to ask the tough questions of life today.  Will I let the simple observations of life give birth to questions of the heart?  Giving in, being and asking, is an incredible gateway.  I am not going to wait.  I will not let my fear reign and rule.  The questions will be asked.