The Summer of Unpredictability

The Summer of Unpredictability
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 by Barbara Latta

Life has not been the same since the turn of the calendar in 2020. COVID-19 changed the world and the way we live life, meet with friends and shop. We discovered new ways to combat boredom, stockpile supplies, worship and go to school.

One benefit to me was our granddaughter spent five weeks with us in March and April due to her parent’s work schedules in the medical field and her preschool closure. Since they live in another state, I treasured this time with her because we don’t see her every day.

Then the summer of unpredictability began with employment changes for my husband, too.

His company contracts with the Army to teach courses to soldiers before they deploy. Because his job is at an Army Reserve base, there are not as many soldiers who need this education at this location. And due to COVID, classes stopped completely.

The re-assessment of the contract necessitates relocation for at least one year to Camp Humphreys, South Korea, which is the largest overseas active duty base in the world. The unpredictable aspect of this is no definite departure date. The Army placed a travel ban on all moves other than essential personnel needed for military stability. We wait and plan as each day passes.

My summer calendar contains anticipation of an unknown date that will uproot our lives for a short time. The questionable date creates a chaotic list of preparation such as when and how to close the house, locate someone to do yard work, take dogs to our kids, and decide what to pack.

This also means I will miss my monthly Word Weavers meetings with my close-knit group of fellow writers. The personal camaraderie will be replaced by email and Facebook messages to keep up with their lives.

When my husband told me the news of the job change, I had a fit. Yes, I did. Then I had to repent. But after I calmed down, I knew no other choice was available and I had better find the good in this move. So, I made a list of the positives:

Opportunities to experience a new culture

Opportunities for new writing ideas

Opportunities to meet new people and hopefully some other writers

Opportunities to see our missionary son in Hong Kong

We WILL be coming back home.

Our topsy-turvy springtime demanded lifestyle changes that continue. Our dependence upon technology controls us too much, but in this case, I am thankful for communication methods while we are quarantined in our homes. Computers and the internet will help my husband and I keep in touch with loved ones back in the States.

Comfortable lifestyles can fool us into thinking we are secure where we are. That life goes on as planned and disruption happens to someone else. We don’t know what the next day holds, but we do know Who holds the next day. God in His omniscient wisdom and grace gives us what we need to withstand the hardships change throws at us. This worldwide pandemic broadcast a blanket of despair on the entire population. We all had to learn to deal with it. And this change in my life teaches me to take one day at a time.

As James 4:13-14 NKJV says, Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit, whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

I hope this summer provides opportunities for growth, enjoyment, and blessings for all of you and any unpredictability in your life finds the solution you need.

How do you handle unpredictability in your schedule?

Barbara Latta is the author of God’s Maps, Stories of Inspiration and Direction for Motorcycle Riders and has contributed to several anthologies and written for online devotion and article sites. Her latest contribution is to The Power to Make a Difference published by Lighthouse Bible Studies. She also writes a monthly column in her local newspaper, The Pike Journal-Reporter, and is President of the Conyers, Georgia Word Weavers chapter.

Barbara works as a paralegal and loves to travel, garden, snap photos and ride with her husband on his motorcycle. She is studying through Charis Bible College to help her attain a deeper understanding of the scriptures and is working to begin a teaching and speaking ministry.

Her desire is to share the truths she has learned through the Word of God to help those in bondage to negative emotions become free and have an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. Her blog can be found at www.barbaralatta.blogspot.com. You can also connect with Barbara on Twitter @barbaralatta, Instagram @ blatta2 and follow her on Facebook.

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Comments

Barbara L. Latta From GA At 8/24/2020 3:06:30 PM

Thank you all for your support and wonderful feedback!

Marilyn Nutter From Greer SC At 8/24/2020 2:03:49 PM

Barbara, Unpredictable is a mild headline here! You have quite an adventure ahead of you. So glad you can rest in knowing God has gone ahead of you. I'm looking forward to reading your posts about it. Blessings,

JD Wininger From Texas At 8/19/2020 6:01:16 PM

Ms. Barbara, no matter where you are ma'am, you and your family will be in my prayers. A couple of tips about South Korea: 1) The egg sandwiches just outside the gate to main post are pretty safe. 2) Don't drink the soju when offered. Enjoy the scenery when you can, the culture, and share your deep

Kathy From colorado At 8/19/2020 5:30:28 PM

It sounds like a wonderful opportunity! But I sure understand the uncertainties, and concerns! I hope it turns out to be a wonderful adventure.

Pat Tiffany Morris From Iowa At 8/19/2020 3:36:34 PM

I can relate. My husband recented retired from the US Army Corps of Engineers, and he often says that it would have been an early retirement should this have happened during his time at work. Or he may have been transferred even in his 6o's, to another location. Thanks for this.

Jeannie Waters From Macon, GA At 8/19/2020 10:07:04 AM

Barbara, I enjoyed your post and learning about your new adventure. God surely has many blessings in store for you. I hope I remember your Christ-centered focus the next time I face unpredictability.

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