“How many times do you say or hear the words, ‘I don’t know?” A radio personality asked that question, and I thought of all the times I’ve said or heard it: I don’t know how to handle my children… I don’t know where my next meal is coming from… I don’t know if I’ll ever get out of debt… I don’t know if she will ever forgive me… I don’t know if I will ever understand why God allows sadness in my life…

Then she said, “One little word can change everything…one little word.” I thought: It must be ‘trust.’ I even said it out loud. (Occasionally, I do talk to the radio…or the television, doesn’t everybody?)

The suspense was killing me. Finally, she said, “The one little word is ‘yet.’ I don’t know…yet!” One little word changes everything! If you say, “I don’t know,” you are stressed and uncertain; you might even be in a place of despair. But “I don’t know…yet” acknowledges that I need guidance. “I don’t know…yet” is a statement expecting that our God will act when I ask for help. “I don’t know…yet” is a hopeful response to any situation that might feel hopeless. It reminds us that we are indeed the offspring of a God who knows everything and wants us to be more like Him.

Everything, small and great, is a witness to how much our God loves and cares for us! Remember that the next time you say, “I don’t know.” Don’t forget to add… yet!

About the author: Previously the priest at St. Francis of Assisi in Lake Placid for 21 years, Rev. Elizabeth L. Nelson is now the Priest at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in LaBelle.