Reset and Do Over

Most of us have probably had those times in our lives when we wished we could pause, rewind and undo something that just happened, or that we said or did. I don't know of anyone with such powers over time and space. However, I do find myself in the somewhat unique position having noticed a rather large Reset button in front of me.

A couple months ago, the economy finally arrived at my door and my position as a youth minister in an Episcopal parish was eliminated. Within two months of that, my spouse walked out of our 23 year relationship (not wholly unexpected, but certainly not anticipated the day it happened) and our house is now up for sale - I have no idea where I'll live if it does sell. So what's a girl to do?

Well, spend a month traveling by motorcycle, of course! I am fortunate and blessed that the three month sabbatical I'd earned through work will be honored. In that time I'll be exploring the concept of Pilgrimage by traveling 4,000 miles by motorcycle over 30 days through at least a dozen states and two countries and then spending three weeks in the Middle East (Israel/Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt) experiencing desert spirituality.

This last month in particular has not quite been filled with how I imagined my preparations to go. Instead of meticulously planning the route, packing and repacking, embarking on multiple training rides and re-instituting a workout schedule, I've been wondering what happened, photo copying documents, networking for a possible next career, second guessing if I should even go, and in general being a little pissed at everything that is happening at once.

That said, I'm actually excited about what might be on the other side. I mean, when such a "fruit basket turnover" materializes, there must be something in the works, right? My universe must be realigning itself, right? I must have been way out of balance and didn't realize it, right?

As far as being distracted from the preparation that I anticipated occurring, the first lesson of the 4,000 miles has already arrived - don't just expect the unexpected and try to be prepared as best you can, but embrace the unexpected and ask what you're being told. Really look at what's going on in your life in total and get creative with your response.

So, sit back, stayed tuned and join in the ride. I'll do my best to keep you up to date...

Journey on!