We are at a place in life where it feels like we live on a raft. Our family is disjointed from normal life as we’ve made the decision to pull up anchor and trust that God will take care of us as we coast down the river to the next place.
While our kids should be focusing on summer activities and starting to look forward to school starting in a month, they are instead intent on holding on to these final days in Romeo. Lingering with friends a little. Making sure their stuff is packed. Talking about our new adventure to come.
While Kristen and I are eager to start our new lives, there is a sadness sweeping over us as we recognize that life will never be the same. For better or worse, the next phase of life brings fresh opportunities. Yet, like the kids, we can’t focus solely on the future and forget about the past. Each box packed is full of memories. With each step towards San Diego a realization that we’re one step closer to leaving this anchorage behind. As we cast off the shore of the known for the unknown we trust we’ll find the next anchorage safely. Uncertainty causes caution while optimism brings about steadfastness.
Yet there there is something even bigger going on. As we drift down this river of life we feel ourselves giving away control. Life on a raft is not something you can navigate fully. Together, we are learning new respect for Old Man River as His currents move us down the river. Our possessions aren’t our possessions anymore. Our home doesn’t feel like our home anymore. Our dreams for one place are being replaced by dreams for another. Peril lies down some branches of the river yet the road map to avoid mistakes is unclear. With enthusiasm we embrace the risk and adventure!
While the wonder of a new adventure looms, we are aware that every adventure story experiences highlights, dramatic shifts, unexpected dangers, sorrow, silliness, and joy. Just like Huckleberry Finn and Jim experienced… the journey is as important as the destination.
While this is a personal raft our family is casting into the river… this life season opens our eyes to many others in the same river of trust. With newfound empathy we connect with fellow rafters. Together, those drifting down the river identify strongly with one another’s journey. We love to exchange stories. Some stories are filled with mourning. Ours is filled with blessing. All are filled with awe. As a group our unknowns are embraced while risk is carefully mitigated. It seems that we resolutely accept the reality that His currents will take us where He wants at His mercy and benevolence.
While some quickly assume these movements are random or even the result of chaos, we know who commands the currents, the emotions, the raft, the raft captain, and even the winds.
And so here we are. Just prior to Bon Voyage we pause to reflect, celebrate, hope for safe landing, and embrace the story ahead. Sapere invenio.
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