“When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” ~ Susan Heller
Great advice! I totally get the idea of “half the clothes.” I always take too much and bring home half a suitcase of unworn outfits. I pack with the “what if” mentality. What if it rains? What if we go to a really nice restaurant. What if …. fill in the blank. And I’m sure we would all take twice the money if we had it!
When I travel, I’m tense and stressed and nervous before I go. It seems as if there are too many details to take care of just to get out of town. But when I am finally on the plane or headed down the road, things change. Once I reach the point of no return, and reassure myself that I did, indeed, turn off the oven, I change. I take a deep breath and say, okay … what I’ve got in my suitcase and in my billfold will do. And I’m ready to be rejuvenated and refreshed.
We should try to look at our divorce recovery journey in the same light. Though there is anxiety and angst in the process, there is a new adventure ahead to anticipate. Once you’re on the road to your new life, that’s the time to stop fretting and start enjoying. I know that can be unfathomable if you are in the middle of the confusion of actually ending your relationship. But from ten years out, I can honestly tell you there is beauty and joy to be found in your new destination. And it will eventually overshadow all of the agony and worry it took to get there.
On my own journey of divorce I was often terrified and more than a little discouraged. In fact, I was more discouraged than I’ve ever been in my life. But in looking back, I know God was always in control. Despite my best efforts to crowd Him out with my own ridiculous attempts to set the itinerary, serve the refreshments, sort the baggage and, yes, even fly the plane, He never left my side.
Despite your fears about the unknown ahead of you, seek to understand that what you have with you at the start of your new journey will indeed be enough. This summer, especially, I’m going to try to relax and set my sights on the destination. God is with us no matter where we’ve been, where we are or where we’re going. So, to all of you Radical travelers out there, Bon Voyage!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
