Turning to Gratitude in Unpredictable Encounters
Gratitude makes the hard stuff bearable and the good stuff even sweeter - Courtney Carver
Today as I sat to write I got caught up in my own thoughts about some unpredictable experiences I have recently encountered and even though I have been shaken by them, I have chosen to embrace the lessons they brought.
After my life here on this earth I should be well acquainted with the unpredictability of this journey, but even with such knowledge and experience I’ll bet I am not the only one that is caught of guard every now and again. In the past I could stay bitter for a long time but in recent years I have learnt a better way of dealing and getting through them.
Yes, I will talk to loved ones about whatever is going on for some time and then allow myself to go through whatever emotion I’m feeling at that time. when I have had a good amount of time to talk and work through them, I then reflect on what was meant to be learnt from it if any. In these moments of uncertainty, I have found there lies a profound opportunity for growth and learning if we decide to seek that out.
The Nature of Unpredictability
Trying to make sense of things I have sought to understand the nature of unpredictability. These can be experiences with serendipity and others that leave lasting traumas, from chance meetings with strangers to unforeseen challenges that test our resilience. Whichever it is that we encounter one thing is for sure, the unpredictable nature of life is both inevitable and transformative. It is within these unpredictable encounters that we often find the most valuable lessons.
Finding Lessons in Unexpected Places
A few weeks ago, whilst traveling for work I was frustrated that the train times did not fit exactly to mu schedule and I either had to be at the office a half an hour before the doors opened or 20 minutes late. I opted for the 20 minutes late and as I got to the train station I learnt a lot of trains were cancelled and many passengers stranded and looking for other solutions.
Luckily my train wasn’t cancelled, however the one I had wanted to board prior was cancelled. I felt relieved but this meant it was going to be extremely packed. For some reason, I felt a nudge to reserve a seat that day as I booked my ticket and so I did, after I made my way to my seat and other people found theirs as well we were ready to depart.
As we got ready to leave the platform, I saw people coming from the other carriages and an announcement was made that the last 2 carriages after mine was lacking heating as they were added on emergency due to an incident earlier. People then started moving towards mine and the other 5 before mine. What was going on? How could a calm morning be turning so chaotic, then an announcement came that the train I wanted to go with earlier had a human accident and so the route and other trains scheduled after it on that route had been cancelled. I felt awful but said a prayer of thanks for being redirected.
Cultivating Gratitude Amidst Uncertainty
Every unpredictable encounter carries a lesson, sometimes hidden beneath the surface. The whole day was hard to get through for I couldn’t stop thinking about the accident or people who saw it happen. As this had a knock-on effect on other journeys throughout the day, my trip back home was a bit delayed but that was ok. My only wish was to get home safely, so as announcements came and went I became more understanding and utterly grateful for protection for us all and the courage of these personnel to keep on doing their work and still get people form one place to the other.
Expressing Gratitude and Moving Forward
When I finally got home, I realised how different things had turned out but how much I and thousands of people, who journeyed that day, had been held by this unforeseen power. Though in a sombre state my heart was full for the protection and care that had enveloped me all day.
So, as we start the weekend, I would like to encourage you to take a minute and say thank you for protection and grace through out this week for so many things could have gone differently. I’d also love to know how you have dealt with unpredictable encounters so please share in the comments.
Affirmation: Thank You, Just because…