by Patricia D. Nanoff
but with the dawn rejoicing.
Psalm 30, verse 5
A friend of mine got arrested recently. She was already on probation for a previous drunk-driving offense. We met because of her dog. What happens to the dog when the owner’s life spirals out of control?
My husband and I had planned to care for her dog while she was in rehab. When we got the call that she was in jail, we wondered if she would make it to rehab or go directly to the county workhouse. When we finally connected by telephone, a collect call from the county jail, she told me how scared and hopeless she felt. We talked about the unique miracle that is sobriety. She was terrified she would return to her old ways and never be able to live up to the demands of a sober life.
As a therapist and researcher, I have spent a lot of time in the company of recovering alcoholic women. I am no stranger to the catastrophic events that can lead to a more beautiful sober life.
As my friend navigated the territory between addiction and recovery, I found myself reflecting on the ragged edges of life when poor choices interrupt it. I must admit that I have not managed to avoid these situations.
When I find myself on the cusp of something new and promising and recognize that transformation requires a willingness to live into the promise by changing an essential attitude or behavior, I have been known to stop dead in my tracks. I hesitate at the edge of the new, fearful about making the leap from ordinary to extraordinary.
The disciples at the beginning of Sunday’s gospel face such a choice. Will they stay on with Jesus or turn away as the crowds already have?
- When have you hesitated to make a transforming change?