Sober since April 6, 2006

That's
days

Monday, April 21, 2008

and this too shall pass


After a lovely weekend, it was time to make the three-hour drive back home. I know this drive well. I take the same familiar route almost every weekend.

I headed out west on a beautiful day. Puffy, white clouds floated through the blue sky. There was a hint of rain on the horizon ahead.

Brand new green grass waved in the rolling fields. Spring flowers were scattered everywhere -- in the fields, in the trees. It was a gorgeous spring day and a delightful drive.

I rounded a turn, dipped down into a hill, and climbed upward. Upon reaching the hill's crest, the clouds in the distance suddenly seemed uncomfortably dark, close, and foreboding.

The hint of rain showers gave way to a storm. The storm was heading my way, and I was heading its way. We would soon meet on the road.

The closer I got, the darker the clouds seemed. Bold strikes of lightning ripped through the sky. Thunder rattled my mirrors. Wind tore through the trees.

I considered taking a detour. But even if I did, I would still be stuck driving in the storm.

I considered turning around. But even if I did, the storm would have followed me.

I considered stopping. But even if I did, I would be stuck in the storm and making no progress.

So I steadily traveled on the trusted route that I knew would take me home. First, there were only a few sprinkles. But then as quick as a switch, an unforgiving torrent blasted the road.

I was nervous while driving through the storm. I was scared of the storm itself. Nature is a force best left unchallenged. I was scared of the other drivers around me. Traffic is a hazard best left untrusted.

I kept driving. The rain would start to ease, but immediately pour down again. I wondered how long this storm would last.

But slowly the lightning became less frequent, the downpour eased to harmless sprinkles, and the wind became gentle once again. The clouds brightened and thinned to reveal the beautiful blue sky hidden behind them. It had been there all along. Hidden, but there.

And once again, brand new green grass waved in the rolling fields. Spring flowers were scattered everywhere -- in the fields, in the trees. It was a gorgeous spring day and a delightful drive, again.

I realized my experience driving through the storm is very similar to weathering life's storms. There is always the instinct to turn away from the trusted road when I find myself in undesirable situations. But I know the way to go.

When weathering a storm, I must keep doing the next right thing: "And this too shall pass."

11 comments:

indistinct said...

Glad to see your post. I felt warm, reading your words, of how you drove through the storm with your fears, finding sunshine and green on the other side.

Anonymous said...

llama,llama

Jackson said...

that's fine writing

Anonymous said...

Woman you really need to open your mouth up at meetings and share! You have sooo very much to give!

Khakra said...

Sometimes storms represent hope, like for farmers going through a drought. Every situation in life is a challenge, but there's always green to be seen!

Trudging said...

Thank you, I needed to hear that today.

Recovery Road London said...

Just stopped by to say "Hi" and I hope you're well.

Kenny

An Irish Friend of Bill said...

hi there
fancy an AA meeting in second life?

http://anon-recovery-archive.blogspot.com/2008/11/attending-aa-and-other-12-step-meetings.html

Anonymous said...

Hola TKD,

A blessed Christmas to you and to your loved ones.

Greetings and lots of love from Malaysia.

~ ArahMan7

~ Boo said...

Hello there... We've never met but I love your words! Found your site doing a search for Collins' Acceptance pamphlet, and have been here to your site often. First time I've commented, but my 'thank you' is long overdue!

Please keep writing - you're good!

Unknown said...

I use to take a lot of comfort in the phrase "this too shall pass' but now I tend to lean more towards"this is great!". I enjoy your writing and look forward to read more of your posts. Great place for recovery...if nobody is looking for a place for help check out the New Life House website at http://www.newlifehouse.com