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

"Is there anything as horrible as starting on a trip? Once you're off, that's all right, but the last moments are earthquake and convulsion, and the feeling that you are a snail being pulled off your rock."
Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Isn't that the truth? The actual getting out of town (even for those short weekend trips and long trips I am eager to take) has always been somewhat stressful and chaotic. Just doing all the countless things you have to do to get on your way sometimes causes tense and crazy behavior. Now consider the trip we have all been facing ... the journey of divorce. No wonder we have headaches and heart palpitations and feel like we are going to throw up any minute. Journeys of any kind cause a certain amount of disruption, but the journey of divorce is disruption magnified one thousand fold ... or more. And it's not a temporary trip. This is our new life. Our permanent new life. It's hard to read those words. It's hard to accept the truth of those words. Earthquake and convulsion begin to describe what we feel. But just think about it. WE ARE GOING ON THIS TRIP. We didn't want it or choose it or cause it. But we are on it, like it or not. So, we can cry and scream and cling to the doorway and act like a cat who doesn't want to be put in a cage ... but in reality, we are either already on the boat or soon to be. So, my advice is sit down on your suitcase and take a deep breath. Take stock of all the good things you are able to take with you. Take one last look at the shore behind. And then face forward. It doesn't do any good to look back or jump off the boat. Just keep facing forward. Let the breeze dry your tears. Feel the warm sun on your face. Look out to sea and start to think about your destination. It's promised to be beautiful. It can be a place more wonderful than you ever hoped. It can be an amazing adventure beyond your wildest dreams.

"My help and glory are in God -- granite-strength and safe-harbor-God -- So trust him absolutely, people; lay your lives on the line for him. God is a (majestic and breathtaking and completely) safe place to be."