#OptionB: Life Rarely Goes As Planned

I think it is fair to say that none of us planned that our lives would look the way they are today. I doubt that any of us would have been able to predict the reality we would be living in.

As I sat in my favourite chair this morning, drinking coffee, reading my devotion, and reflecting on life amid COVD 19, I was taken by the adage that life rarely goes as planned. One of the best books I have read on this topic is “Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy” by Sheryl Sandberg.

“Option B’ was a recommended reading for a Master’s Class I am taking on Leadership Resilience. Funny the timing God has as He brings things into your life. Sheryl wrote the book in response to life after the unexpected death of her husband.

Though Sheryl’s story revolves around the loss of her husband and the father of her kids, the implication can be applied to almost any situation. When your Option A is no longer an option, how do you live Option B in a way that you not only survive but thrive? Here is a small excerpt from Sheryl herself:

Even when we’re in great distress, joy can still be found in moments we seize and moments we create. Cooking. Dancing. Hiking. Praying. Driving. Singing Billy Joel songs off-key. All of these can provide relief from pain. And when these moments add up, we find that they give us more than happiness; they also give us strength.

This reality couldn’t be more true for us as family. In the midst of this crazy reality, our daughter was born — Amari Claire Farmer. On her arrival, she brought an abundance of joy, love, and hope into our lives. It is amazing when I look into her eyes how the current state of the world’s pales in comparison to abundance of love and hope she brings! Her birth doesn’t change the reality we currently live in; it reminds me that despite our circumstances, there is joy to be found amid the storm.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12:13

I think it is safe to say that every single person on the globe is living their Option B. As you move forward in your Option B life. Can I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus, to seek out the moments of joy waiting to be experienced, the lessons of resilience and growth waiting to be learned, the moments of peace and life to be lived in the eye of the storm?