Every person goes through different times in their life where they can’t help but question what is going on. Not being able to understand certain situations or feelings is inevitable to some extent. Recently, I was part of a discussion focused on whether questioning what is happening in life is acceptable or not.

This debate concluded with the agreement that questioning is not only acceptable, but encouraged as long as you never stop believing; it is at these times of doubt where people make break-through discoveries and realizations about their life. In John 20:29 of the Bible, it is stated that “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” It is OK to question the hand you have been dealt, as long as you don’t lose faith and never stop believing.

I think it’s fair to say that each and every person has some kind of place they consider to be their “happy place.” Whether it is playing sports, being where friends are, or church, this is a place where good things happen and you can’t help but smile. Personally, this place tends to be the great outdoors of the Big Sky State. I recently found myself floating the Big Hole River surrounded by some of the best friends a person could ask for. Being in a slump as of late, I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to play a quick game of distraction and take my mind off things going on. What a day on that muddy river actually did for me is something I wouldn’t have guessed; it changed my perspective on life.

Although I was surrounded by good company in a beautiful place, I couldn’t help but sit back and reflect on what was going on in my life. I didn’t understand certain things and it bothered me. However, somewhere along this trip that dirty water cleared my mind. I went from a mindset based around questioning and doubt to one focused on faith and understanding. It hit me that I didn’t have to understand or agree with everything going on in my life in order to believe in the bigger picture and truly accept that. Whether I know what it is or not, there is a plan for me.

It’s not just me; there is a plan for you, too. There is a plan for every single person, whether they know it or not. Sometimes not understanding the plan is the greatest part, it’s a surprise. Sure, surprises aren’t for all of you but how boring would it be if you knew every single thing that was going to happen in your life? Yes, there is comfort and happiness knowing where you want to be, but the reality of life is that people don’t always end up where they see themselves or where they want.

This doesn’t mean you just give up on something if you truly believe in it, but rather to simply have faith that there is a plan put into place for you. You can still fight for what you want and question aspects of your life but you can’t give up. Giving up on yourself and your beliefs is not the answer; it never is. Be free to question things in your life, but don’t ever stop believing. Those who keep their faith and keep believing are the ones who will be blessed.

Being surrounded by good company in a beautiful place was only the beginning of a great day for me. You should do the same thing. Figure out what or where your “happy place” is and put yourself in it because having faith and believing is undoubtedly easier when you are somewhere you actually want to be in life. Go out of your way and make an effort to set yourself up for success and happiness, you deserve it.