by Danny Bader: As we travel this road called Life I believe there is a vital nature to developing and holding TRUST…
The definition of TRUST—a verb—is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of. I like this definition, but for me it ends with a blank that we can fill in. Of…what? When we have TRUST and believe in something that is reliable, truthful, competent and strong; what is it?
The picture above is from a back road here in Chester County, PA where I live. I don’t even know the name, or really how to get there again. I needed to take a drive in my Jeep, top down, to clear my head about some things happening in life—this time it was trying to process the health challenges and suffering of two very dear people to me. So I take a ride and just keep making turns. As I drove I fluctuated the sounds I was hearing between the silent hum of the engine and the tires on the gravel, and at times some music. A song I’ve been listening to recently, Jersey on the Wall (I’m Just Asking), by the young country singer Tenille Townes, connected with my thoughts of the importance of TRUST. Tenille tells the story of a tragic accident where a young high-school person/athlete was killed in an automobile accident. Here’s the chorus lyrics:
[Chorus]
If I ever get to heaven
You know I got a long list of questions
Like how do You make a snowflake?
Are You angry when the earth quakes?
How does the sky change in a minute?
How do You keep this big rock spinning?
Why can’t You stop a car from crashing?
Forgive me, I’m just asking
For me, it seems the singer of this song has a TRUST in something bigger than us (or as my Mom always corrects me, “someone bigger”, Daniel) and that there will be answers to many of the questions that we do not understand or can adequately answer. I saw once where Faith was defined as belief without proof. I guess this is what the song conveys. I know there is life after this one. I got a brief—beautiful—“dose” of this when I was 28. Toward the end of the song is a line that says, If You got Your hands on everythin’ that happens, Then why couldn’t You stop that car from crashin’? Here’s what I believe about this. God (or what you choose to call this source of Love) does have His/Her hands on us, but does not control what happens. Life unfolds and is not intended to be free of suffering. I’m not sure why it is this way, I guess that’s a question I’ll ask when I get to Heaven again.
What we might want to consider in this imperfect & beautiful life are the words of St. Francis de Sales and TRUST it’s all going to be okay.:
“Do not fear what may happen tomorrow.
The same loving Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every day.
Either he will shield you from suffering or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.”
I’d also suggest we construct a strong source of support comprised of our family and friends, in whom we can TRUST. I believe the happiest, strongest and most resilient people are those with strong relationships. Do something today to strengthen a relationship.
And finally, TRUST in yourself. Pay attention to the thoughts you have about your life and the future. Let go of the regrets of the past, that’s all finished now. Enjoy where you are and what you have in your life. Develop a vision for some areas that need to get better. None of us are perfect, but I do believe we are created to not just live this life and go through the motions, but rather to BE ALIVE, to enter each day with a smile and some goals and a sense of not taking ourselves to seriously…and be sure to lead with love.
