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

“This is the true joy in life … being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one … being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
George Bernard Shaw

I don’t think I was often a "feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances" when I was married and trying to be a good wife and a good mother. I have been that more than a few times after my midlife divorce. Of course, we all have our moments of bad behavior, but my main purposes in life were worthy purposes. I made sacrifices. I tried to do what was best for my husband and my family. I can say in good conscience, along with all of my failures and mistakes, I tried to be everything I needed to be for my family. But when I found myself faced with a husband who wanted someone and something different and a family that was shattered, I was shattered, too. You probably felt like that as well. It took me a long time to figure out that God still has a purpose for me and that I was not a failure. I know, in looking back, God honors our efforts to do right as imperfect as they are. Just because our then-husbands wanted something different does not mean our purpose was in vain. In fact, good things came from that. And still, God has a plan for us even after our divorce. My situation my have changed, but there are still family and life goals that we are called to pursue. There are children, grandchildren, an ex-husband, friends, and countless other relationships that require my involvement. Every day we can find reasons to be that unfold anew each day. God presents opportunities for us to do good every single day. In small ways and large, we can be a positive force of Nature just like we have always been. And more every day, we can see a reflourishing and a re-blossoming of life. Rediscover that true joy in life … rediscover your mighty purpose. Happiness will find you on its own. Let God reshape your life and feel those new spring leaves unfolding! Your tree can be more beautiful than ever!

“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.
Proverbs 11:28 (The Message)