I don’t know.
It has taken years for me to say, “I don’t know,” “I have no idea,” “I can’t handle that,” or just plain, “No.” At one time I thought it was my job to be a positive role model in the life of everyone I interacted with. And if I couldn’t be helpful or useful then I was being selfish. How absurd.
I put a lot of pressure on myself until I nearly lost it. Thanks to a friend who introduced me to the 12-step recovery programs, I gradually learned that my first ‘obligation’ is to myself, to the truth that God, my Higher Power, makes available to me–and to everyone–just for the asking.
I also learned to pause, to pray, and to reflect before I answer. Such freedom. Today I no longer have expectations of myself or others. I’m living one day at a time, and enjoying the possibilities that each moment offers. I’m at peace. Sometimes I know. Sometimes I don’t know. Sometimes I can happily say yes and sometimes no–and whatever it is, I can say it with confidence because God is with me either way.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,5
Wow, Karen, you have no idea how much I needed to hear your words today. I don’t know. I don’t have any answers. No. Thank you for writing this. I know I have set it up that I DO have the answers, ha ha, and when you do that, people look to you to lead. As I get older, I don’t want to lead. I don’t want to have the answers. I just want to be and that’s ok. Busy taking things OFF my list and not adding to the stress. With all the “things” on my list, I have to know too much…ha ha. “I don’t know”— as you said, such freedom!!
Thanks, Heidi, glad to know we’re in this together.
It’s definitely been a long season of “I don’t know.” Thank goodness, He does! I don’t know means utter and complete dependence on God, but that’s the best place to be. I’ve prayed this verse hundreds of times in this past year – I don’t want to lean on my understanding, only His. I’ve been finding there is a great deal of freedom in “I don’t know.” Thanks for sharing your insights!
Thanks for being so transparent. It’s great to hear from you, Laura.
Thank you for sharing this, “living in grace” moment Karen.
The more I study God’s Word and learn from the experience of ladies like you, the more I realize what I don’t know and take great comfort in the fact I don’t have to know it all.
That’s a load off.
🌸Smiles, BRC
I agree, Beth. It’s actually a relief to know that sometimes I simply don’t know.
You inspire me with your honest assessment of a dilemma we
all face at one time or another. Thanks for all the down-to-earth wisdom you share with all of us.
I have not read all of your books but I know that this is one of the things that draw people to them.
What a blessing you are!! 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you, Etta Mae. You just ‘made my day.’
Thanks for your transparency and words of wisdom. I, myself, am recovering from years of too much “yes” and I’m so blessed to be part of a 12 Step Program that helps me learn to stay in my own lane!
Great to hear, Glenda. What a relief it is. I agree.
Oh my spot on. What a relief to know I don’t have to have the answer to everything. I can be compassionate and listen but not have the answer Believe it or not I have been working on this for a while. It is a wonderful freeing feeling to know I don’t have ALL the answers. Only my Lord and Savior does.
Thank you Karen for revealing yourself.
Thank you, Joan. We can enjoy the relief of not having all the answers together.
Thanks, Karen, I like your scripture reference. I have learned that sometimes it is hard to “trust” God completely but the older I get I know it is smart to always trust God, He knows what is best for me and I don’t, I like the hymn “Trust and Obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” I promise you that the older you get the easier it is to really trust God and Jesus. They are with us always but we have to “let them in”. love you, Margaret