I’m writing this blog post on the eve of its deadline. This reveals one of my numerous downfalls: procrastination. I rationalize this habit by convincing myself that I work best under pressure. (I tell myself a lot of things, not all of which are accurate.)

One other reason this post was pushed to the back burner is that I wasn’t feeling inspired. Ironic, given our blog theme was INSPIRATION. How, I wondered, could I write sincerely on that topic when my well seemed dry? Summer - for me - was generally marked by increased energy levels, a new zest for life, and a relaxed, carefree time spent with my two precious boys. It is the highlight of my year - especially living in North Dakota, where four seasons are only experienced if you don’t stop to blink. But, over the summer months, my mood had been quite melancholy.

Earlier this year, my life resembled a vibrant rosebush in full bloom. As spring turned to summer, however, the pruning began. It was a season of goodbyes to beloved friends, pastors and mentors. My cozy little world was turned on its head, and the proverbial rug was ripped out from underneath my contented reality.

Sadly, despite the fact that I’ve experienced much change over 41 years, it never gets easier. The only change I gladly welcome is a lower number on the scale or fewer crow’s feet and laugh lines on my tired, middle-aged face. Shedding some pounds or reclaiming my youthful glow is change I can get on board with!

By contrast, change that is painful for me to accept is that which pertains to loss.The loss of friends moving on to new positions, warmer climates, and higher callings. The loss of loved ones passing onto their eternal reward.

Changes like these leave a person like me, one who thrives emotionally on the status quo, feeling like a vulnerable little girl, a child left to wander an empty house after all the guests have said their goodbyes and hit the road after a wonderful family reunion. She knows she’ll see them again, but that brings little solace. She realizes it will be a long while before their paths will cross again, and that makes her heart heavy.

So, how do I remain hopeful and INSPIRED during seasons of loss and disappointment? Well, some day it’s downright difficult. When I want to crawl into a hole and hibernate ‘til the dust settles and the clouds part, I keep moving forward. I ignore my fickle, unreliable feelings and let my love for my family MOTIVATE me. Being Mom to Benjamin and Josiah and wife to Jason spurs me on. They continually remind me that although not everything is as I think it should be, so much is REALLY WONDERFUL and worth celebrating!

But the strongest weapon at my disposal in deflecting the arrows of discouragement is daily abiding in the Lord, reading His love letter to me - the Bible- and trusting that He has good plans for me filled with hope and a bright future. (Jer 29:11) Jesus is the only CONSTANT, He who NEVER CHANGES.

How do you cope with life’s unpredictability? Do you thrive on the unknown or do you prefer life to imitate Yellowstone’s Old Faithful?