As a pilot I am trained to navigate around storms. I am well aware of the hazards which await me should I fly near or into a storm especially a thunderstorm. Avoiding storms is a top priority. Occasionally, it is impossible to dodge the storms completely, consequently, I have experienced the confusion, fear, and anxiety that is unleashed the moment you cross paths with the storm. Adrenaline floods the body as the intensity of the situation becomes evident. Thankfully, my training prepared me for such emergencies. If only there was ‘training’ to prepare people to navigate the storms of life!
The day starts out not much different than any other, the alarm sounds, your mind starts racing to the first thing on the days ‘to-do-list.’ Your feet hit the floor as though someone has engaged the autopilot, and your routine has begun. The day is now set on course and off you go flying into the unknown skies of the days activities.
Everything is running smoothly, yet little do you know, unforeseen on your ‘daily radar’ is a major storm, and you are headed directly for its center. With no warning, and no time to prepare, your day suddenly becomes extremely turbulent, your autopilot has disengaged, and you are desperately trying to keep control of the situation. Your emotions are on high alert, your mind is searching desperately for a way out, and your body feels as though it has been turned upside down and inside out. A sick feeling is overcoming you as you try to frantically hold on long enough to see clear skies again.
Storms can be terrifying, and they come in all different shapes, sizes, intensities and durations. What storm has blindsided you? What tough decisions are you facing today? No matter what the label, weaved in every storm exists it’s cohorts …confusion, fear, and anxiety.
Having flown through a number of storms and having experienced the violence of turbulent air, I can say without a doubt I would rather be on the ground looking up at the storm, then in the storm wishing I was on the ground. Nonetheless, wishing the storm away never did anything to free me of its grip. Likewise in life, you can wish the storm never came knocking on your door, but that still will not free you of its intensity. Once the storm hits… you must ride it out!
Riding out a storm can seem like an eternity. It is hard work! It will take courage, strength, humility, and resilience…but you will make it.
Below you will find some ‘training tips’ to help you navigate the storms of life:
- Stay Calm: Panic will cause things to get worse in a hurry.
- Focus: Focus on the very next thing which needs to be done. Valuable time and energy is loss when thinking too far ahead.
- Ask for help: There is always someone who has been through what you are going through and can share valuable information with you. Going it alone makes the journey extremely exhausting. Air Traffic Control can see what pilots can not. Others will have a larger perspective as they are not caught in the storm with you.
- Use all Available Resources: Seek information, join a support group, find someone to confide in, exercise self care, and consider all your options.
- Ignore your feelings: Feelings are not based on facts, unlike facts they change continuously. Acknowledge your feelings, but don’t make decisions based on them.
- Never lose hope: Hope is the lifeline that keeps you moving forward through the storm. It is the stabilizer that prevents the turbulence from tearing you apart.
Storms can be violent, avoiding them in life is impossible. You can not decide when it will hit, how long it will last, or what damage it may cause; but you can control your response to it!
It may appear your storm has knocked the life out of you…the truth is…as long as you have one breath left in your lungs (and if you are reading this you certainly do), God is not done with you yet, this storm will not overtake you!
God is for you. He will lead, guide and direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). He will bring you comfort (Psalms 147:3). He will give you His peace (John 14:27).
God is real, He is faithful, He works in ways you can not see…and He Loves YOU!
Be determined to uncover purpose in your everyday life….there are nuggets to be discovered in the midst of your storm.
-Lucy Ann
Challenge Question:
Will you invite God into your storm today?
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Rosemary Sandarelli says
Thank you Jesus for turning my fear into FAITH and filling my future with HOPE. Amen!
Lucy Ann says
I stand in agreement with you Rosemary…May faith continue to arise within you, may you always see your future through the eyes of HOPE!
Blessings!
Millie says
Great read! Thanks for being one of my Air Traffic Controlers!
Lucy Ann says
Millie,
I consider it an honor 🙂 The storm will end and you will have the VICTORY!
Blessings. 😊