Diamonds in Dumpster Fires25 Jun 2025

When Life Doesn't Go as Planned: Clearing a New Path with Nathan Westwick

Episode Summary:

What do you do when life doesn't look anything like you hoped? In this deeply honest and hope-filled episode, Melie sits down with author, minister, and coffee entrepreneur Nathan Westwick to talk about navigating disappointment, waiting on God, and finding peace in seasons that feel painfully uncertain.

Nathan shares his personal story of walking through a seven-year waiting period that tested his faith, his patience, and his understanding of God's timing. Together, they unpack what it means to surrender our dreams, sit in the discomfort of the "in-between," and trust that God wastes nothing, not even our pain.

This conversation is packed with practical wisdom, personal stories, and spiritual encouragement for anyone who feels like life is not going according to plan (so… basically all of us). Whether you're in a season of waiting, grieving lost dreams, or simply trying to stay present when the future feels unclear, this episode will meet you right where you are.

In This Episode:

The tension between trusting God and living in the unknown
Why waiting seasons are often where God does the deepest work
How surrendering our dreams opens us up to God's unexpected plans
Finding peace by practicing mindfulness and presence in everyday moments
Learning to sit with discomfort instead of numbing or distracting
The powerful reminder that God wastes nothing—not even our disappointment
How embracing "holy disruptions" in your day can create space for divine moments

Resources Mentioned:

📖 Clearing the Path: Connecting with God in a Cluttered World by Nathan Westwick — Available on Amazon
📖 Shattered Dreams by Larry Crabb (highly recommended for anyone navigating seasons of loss or waiting)

Connect with Nathan:

Website: https://nathanwestwick.com/
Wild Goose Coffee Roasters: https://www.wildgoosecoffee.com/
Nathan's Instagram

Connect with Melie:

Instagram: @meliewilliams
Free Resilience Resources

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