"Waiting for life to be lovely before you start to live is like waiting for the river to run out before you cross."

I want life to be lovely all the time. I want things to go my way. I want my children and my family and my friends to be healthy and happy all the time. Of course, we know life is not like that. Life is absolutely full of challenges, setbacks, trials and difficulty. Some difficulties are small and some are huge like divorce. I think when we quit expecting life to be just like we want it and realize that the troubles are just part of the whole scheme of things, then we can go ahead and live fully and joyfully in spite of the obstacles we face. If we finally understand that the "deep waters" of life, though scary and sometimes cold, are just part of the fabric of life, we can wade on in. During the crossing, it's always helpful to have a friend to hold on to, or a rope you can grab from the other side. We can also have the confidence that God will not let this destroy us, but can use the water experience to make us stronger and more beautiful than ever. God has called us by name. He will not abandon us in the middle of the river, so step on out ... the other side is amazing!

"But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says, “Don’t be afraid, for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up -- the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, your Savior, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 43: 1-3 (Living Bible)