“It’s Always Something.” Uh-oh. The “something” can’t be good. And to make matters worse, more often than not, those “it’s” are unexpected.

The “something” may not be terrible terrible, however, they are probably “something” we prefer to ignore or wish would go away. Except we all know what happens when we do that—all too often the “something” gets nastier or more complex. On the other hand, maybe it’s the innocence of youth as “it’s always something” doesn’t seem to be part of their vocabulary.

Regardless of our chronological age, we need to consider why we can be quick to utter this phrase and the manner in which we do so. What if we were to consider it from a different perspective?

  • We tend to automatically assume the “something” is awful. Why is it that we human beings have such a tendency to rush to the darker side of possibilities so quickly? Well, if we’ve lived long enough, we know there’s some truth in that reality. Which is why we usually mumble the comment with a sigh. Which means we’ve already entered the doorway of the awful tunnel.

What if, instead, we chose to keep a positive attitude? Not unrealistic. Simply, agreed in our head and heart to view the “something” as an opportunity to learn, grow, or discover meaningful new things about ourselves and the world around us?

For example, a few of the “it’s always something” incidents in my life within the past week:

An unexpected visit to the dentist for what I thought might be a most miserable meet-up with the drill. [Because of the trigeminal neuralgia on the left side of my face, this is a real concern.] Instead, no reason for alarm. No zizzing in my mouth. Might happen down the road, but certainly not for years, especially if I am careful how I chew with regard to the tooth in question.

Sudden small issues with my computer, likely indications of a looming larger problem. Keeping calm, my beloved and I diagnosed the problem and came up with a temporary fix. While the key word is temporary, we then discovered the computer is much older than we thought. No comments, please, about the operator, she said, with a smile. Thankfully, we have the time and resources to purchase a new one which will provide me with upgraded tools. [For those less fortunate, such resolution would definitely be more difficult.]

  • We believe we will reach a point in life when “It’s always something” won’t happen ever again. Or at least, so infrequently as to be barely noticeable.

When our children were small, it’s always something usually involved skinned knees, an unexpectedly long homework assignment, or unkind words from a neighbor kid or the playground bully. As they grew up, the unexpected pop quiz, sudden onset childhood illnesses, followed by the how-to-fit-in to the latest fashion trend or parenting style—or should they or me even try—became the concern.

Fact of the matter is, “yep, it’s always something” knows no age or social constraints. Because whether or not we are comfortable with the whole idea, there is always going to be something in our life that will challenge our present way of thinking or doing things. Bottom line, our wherewithal to best-as-we-can-organize-and-define our little corner of the world has limitations.

Which leads us to the larger, uncomfortable Truth. Yep, “It’s almost always about control.” Our need to keep things rolling along as we would like them to. No bumps in the road, please. No moments of uncertainty. No hours or days when we wonder how will we ever get through the latest situation? Believe me, I’m all too familiar with this scenario.

The need to be in control will vary from person to person. I wish I could offer you a simple, easy way to learn to let go and trust the Divine that everything will work out, especially when it doesn’t seem like that’s humanly possible. Yet therein we discover the answer—when we graciously and with humility accept that more of what happens in this world can be better handled by God, we willingly begin to seek him for understanding. What is my part? What is it you would have me to do, Lord?

These two questions are likely some of the hardest we will ever face because as we choose to let God show us the way, we can think and feel we aren’t doing the right thing, or doing enough, or getting it done fast enough. Getting stuck in those thoughts and emotions will only lead to deeper frustration, concern, or worry. I know. Ain’t got this gray hair for nothing, she said, with a smile.

Here’s the good news—learning to let go, take several deep breaths, pray, and maybe even go for a walk will do more for your peace of mind, sense of hope, and clarity of action, than anything else. Keep it simple. Stay positive. Trust God. It’s not a rote formula, it’s the ingredients to help us minimize being thrown off course or into the ditch by all those big and little “It’s always something.”