Stuck in a rut?

Stuck in a rut?

Do you every feel stuck – like you are in a rut and cannot move forward?  I really believe each of us feels this way one time or another and it is normal.   But what about when we feel being stuck is going on to long?  How many times do we feel like we are stuck in a rut? 

It seems that after the holidays, it’s so easy to just hibernate, sit home, not making any phone calls or sending any emails.  Is this normal?  Will I ever feel whole again?  So many questions but – yes – there is hope.

It seems when we go through things in life that are very traumatic, it is so easy to get stuck.  Our lives as widows have turned upside down.  We soon realize that we need to make some changes in our lives.  Colossians 1:17 promises this:  He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.   In other words God has been with us from the beginning and will be with us until the end.  During those times in our live when we feel like we are in a rut, God knows us best.  He is there for us even when we feel we cannot feel or sense His presence. 

Perhaps when we are feeling stuck or in a rut, we may need to do some real soul searching.  Not an easy thing to do when we are hurting but often times it’s a necessity.  We may need to sit back and reflect on things that may not be easy to do.  After all, our lives so totally changed because of what we have gone through.  It’s easy to be angry or upset with the new journey we are forced to go through.  Some difficult thoughts to think about:

• ·         We are forced to except what we cannot change –perhaps time to make a change.
• ·         Taking that first step into moving forward.  Even the first step is huge but can be a small step!
• ·         You do not need a plan on what the outcome will be – just take the first step.
• ·         Each of us goes down this journey just a little different.  Don’t compare yourself.
• ·         Try not to over think about what you have, are or will be going through.  Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not hear yet.  Philippians 4:8 reads:  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.  In other words, try to rely on what God has for your life.

You may need to go inside your heart, soul and mind to work through what is causing you to be stuck.  Perhaps if it seems to be too much, confide in a good friend, a counselor or perhaps your pastor at your church.  Try not to isolate yourself but take that first step in confiding with someone you trust.  God’s promise in John 16:33 is: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

I trust as each day goes by, you will be able to take that first step.  If you have walked down this path a while ago, perhaps you can take the hand of a new widow and help her with this journey.  Before you know it, she will be taking the hand of a new widow.  It’s amazing to watch how God works in our lives.  All it takes is that first step.

Blessings to each of you sweet ladies who are on this journey.  God is amazing and He is there for you each step of the way.  We just need to believe!!!!!