Foreseeing the unforeseen


I've always been intrigued by the expression "Due to circumstances beyond my control..." and this humorous meme with the same sentiment reminded me of it today. Sometimes these phrases are used as a "cop-out" or an excuse for poor performance. I remember occasions when I used them myself in this way. Usually if a person is more thoroughly prepared, there will be fewer unanticipated events. The better we understand a situation, a series of circumstances - the better we will be aware of possible complications or changes in normal expectations.
But if there's anything we learned from 2020, it's that we don't always control the circumstances of our lives. There are many things we do control, and should try to control; but there will always be some things that take us by surprise, or that influence us profoundly in challenging or negative ways.
Or in positive ways, for that matter. Sometimes unforeseen circumstances bring blessings or opportunities beyond what we anticipate. We tend to notice the negative kind more than the positive kind.
We do the best we can to be prepared for the things we anticipate as possibilities. There are things that can help: listening to advice from those more experienced, careful pondering of circumstances and implications, thorough and diligent preparation, not procrastinating, intuition, inspiration, divine direction - all of these can mean we encounter fewer unforeseen situations.
But the unexpected will come anyway, in spite of our best efforts. Perhaps it's important that we prepare for the things beyond our control in other ways: by developing strength, self-confidence, resilience, survival skills, connection to God. By knowing firmly and surely what matters most to us. A clear grasp of priorities makes it easier to deal with the things that perhaps matter less. If nothing else, maybe 2020 gave us a chance to ponder what really matters.
I #GiveThanks for unforeseen challenges that give me the opportunity to grow, and for unforeseen blessings that bring joy and peace.

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