You are Here

Standing on the platform at small, quaint train station. Barbara was pursuing the maps and train schedules. Staying in Manasa, VA we were traveling into the Nations capital. As a point of orientation the map had that defining red dot, “You are HERE.”

4 months previously, on retreat in the foothills of NC, God spoke very clearly, “I’m not going to restore it (my marriage). I know this hurt you, but I need to get you ready.” He showed me two fists side by side. One moved to the right and extended to the side and forward. The implications was I could no longer go around and around. He needed me in position for His purposes. The divorce proceeded as planned and was official a month later.

Good things have come since then. Many blogs have been written, lots of fun adventures have been taken, healing, joy, every day laughter and encouragements have been shared in abundance. Its been a productive path in many ways. I even ran a half marathon, The Donna, on one cloudy day, which I had never planned to do, but I did do it! That was a first.

Still, after years of caring for a special needs child and almost 27 years of marriage I am sometimes disoriented in my own life. Raised as the youngest of six in a rancorous, Irish/Italian Catholic family, I am accustomed to being surrounded by people. I don’t crave going home to an still home. I have to settle for a moment and find that marker, “You are HERE. ” Just like standing on that platform waiting for the Amtrak train to arrive, sometimes there is a mix of excitement and trepidation of the unknown.

What are the circumstances that have had you cozied up to those red dots? I remember being in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. That was a one time and exciting family day! Staring at a map at the Underground in London, England, as a college student earning 3 credits from the Ploytechnic of North London. How do we get to Piccadilly or Trafalgar Square? Come to think of it, those red dots are extremely useful. They are the point you plan your next move. How do we get there? You stand at that dot and devise a plan. You step forward to a place that you have never been before. We have a term for that, “adventure.” And usually there is someone standing around that knows all about that place. They give you there tips and advice and now you armed with information, and will soon make up your mind!

I don’t know what “Adventure” you are on today. I don’t know how joyous or painful (or both) that path was. I know this; each day holds new hope, a new beginning. If you are a bit off balance it’s OK. Truly Ok. Get your bearing. Find your marker. Ask for help when needed. Take that next step.