Need to Know?

Life is one steep learning curve.

I know precious little about physics, and apart from vector knowledge potentially improving my pool game, I seem to get along fine without it. Similarly, a wealth of information on cooking techniques exist that escape me but I muddle my way around the kitchen and create nutritious meals. The list goes on of areas I could increase understanding of, but frankly see no need.

Then there are those times where life demands expertise, like when an appliance breaks down and suddenly I’m researching energy efficiency, storage capacity and consumer reviews of fridges. I still don’t particularly care about these facts but if I’m going to make a responsible, informed decision I choose to become aware.

Now I’m faced with this new category called creating a website, something I’ve not done before but now have the entire internet watching me find my footing. That’s not intimidating! Let people know about the RSS feed, I’m told, while I think, "What on earth is an RSS feed?” and then consider, “How have I lived to 50 and not known about RSS”? Help!

And once again I am reminded that asking for help often relieves the need to be an expert. Between Facebook, a friend who is well versed in all-things-techy, and the Weebly support team I got enough answers to satisfy my requirement. RSS is one means by which readers can receive automatic updates about new blogs if they use a feed reader like feedly.com or theoldreader.com. Who knew? (Likely most of you!)

In the process of researching RSS (which, ironically, means “Really Simple Syndication”), I also stumbled upon how to create a Facebook fan page and how adding a Like button here is another means of readers being notified of a new blog.

Because I am a career coach at heart I can’t help but see the larger parallels to career transition. I often encourage people feeling overwhelmed to take one step and then stop and see how their view has changed. Did that one phone call result in a referral to another person you didn’t know existed before you dialed? What other helpful information did you bump into while sourcing out a new website?

Of course there are even larger applications if I look at the higher story.  I believe that learning life lessons on a need-to-know basis is a gift. I’m thankful that God spares me from knowing the future and that He carries that burden of anticipation as I trust in Him. My jaw story comes to mind.

When the pain in my jaw first hit I began searching for help through the means I readily knew of – my family doctor. He sent me to specialists who sent me to other doctors, and every stop was an opportunity to gain insights and become more informed. I had countless tests, investigated treatment options, and even contacted a university doing research on TMJ. It was out of a trip to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry that I ultimately received my referral for surgery in Toronto. We like to call it a circuitous journey.

As I reflect on that five year season of pain and searching for answers, it is clear to me that God provided all I needed to know, when I needed it. Not before. Not too late. He met and led every step of the way.
​
With love and gratitude,
Shelaine

© 2016