R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Thoughts

"Everyone must row with the oars he has."
English Proverb

Okay, if you're reading this, you are probably going through a midlife divorce. And you're in a boat you don't like. And you've got oars. So. That's where you are. You might wish you were in a different boat with different oars, but you aren't. Your life right this minute is what it is. You (like all the rest of us) have got to decide what to do now. You can either sit in the boat complaining and sobbing and screaming or you can start rowing. The whining and crying aren't going to do any good in the end. They might bring some relief temporarily, but the fact is, you've got to start rowing with the oars you have. Hint: the trip will go better and you'll get to your destination faster if you just accept where you are and figure out where you want to be and get going. Then, amazingly enough you can, like Paul who was in a dark, smelly, wet prison when he wrote the words below, you can even learn (yes LEARN) to be content in "any and every" situation. I've tried to figure out how that is possible. I'm still learning, but try this: since complaining and crying and whining don't do any good, try being grateful. Try being thankful you have a boat and oars at all. Be thankful you have the strength and guts to row. Be thankful you have a God who will help you with every stroke and promises you will reach an incredible island if you just keep rowing and doing joyfully what he has asked you to do. Trust him, and start rowing.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Philippians 4:12 (NIV)