Detours

As I've mentioned, Katherine's friend Lauren Miller has started a blog called "Embracing the Detour." A few days ago, she issued a challenge to her readers to send in their stories of how they were dealing with the unexpected "detours" in their lives.

When I first heard the name of Lauren's blog, my thoughts went immediately to Katherine. I can't think of many people who've experienced such a dramatic detour in their life plans. The other ones that come to mind were fellow patients in Neuro-Rehab.

It amazes me now to think of how I used to respond to small changes in my plans, unexpected twists of fate, and little glitches in my schedule. I guess I thought I had more control over my life than I actually do. I fought against circumstances that thwarted my will.

What has happened to Katherine has taught all of us who love her that we are not in control. Life rarely turns out the way we envision it. The only thing over which we truly have control is the way in which we respond to our "detours."

Katherine has chosen to say, "I don't understand this, but I trust. This was not my plan, but I accept that it is Yours. Your plans are to give me a future and a hope. Because of that, I will choose to find joy in spite of the circumstances."

I think that, for the majority, 'happiness' is dependent on circumstances. That's why so many people are unhappy and dissatisfied. Circumstances are fickle. They can turn around and bite you in the back in a heartbeat.

At our lake house, there is a tiny lithograph of a woodland rabbit. Underneath him are these words: "Happiness is not a destination, but a manner of traveling."


As I continue down the path of this major detour, I pray that I can learn to travel more lightly...with joy in the journey....one day at a time.


It's all any of us really have.

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To read Lauren's sweet words about Katherine and learn more about her challenge, go to:

http://embracingthedetour.com/it-means-something-day-43/