Joy for the Journey: Finding Hope in the Midst of Trialናሙና

Almost anytime I travel, I encounter some detours and bumps in the road. Flights get delayed, rental cars aren’t ready, the weather causes hiccups, construction slows down traffic, every stoplight turns red… the list goes on and on. I may feel anxious, frustrated, or tired, but I inevitably push through and don’t let those bumps keep me from going where I need to go.

Our journey with our loved ones is the same. While we can’t determine what detours may be ahead, we CAN decide how we respond.

We have no control over our loved one’s journey, no matter how hard we try, no matter how much research we do, no matter how many times we plead with them, no matter how many rehabs we call. Their journey is their own.

I say this from experience. I tried to have control over my husband’s journey, but it only made me more and more angry and more and more resentful. I pleaded, begged, threatened, yelled, gave the silent treatment… you name it, I tried it. But ultimately, I wanted it more than my husband wanted it, which led me down paths of resentment, anger, anxiousness, fear, bitterness, frustration, and hopelessness.

I just wanted my family back. I wanted my husband back. I wanted peace. I wanted to hope.

I wanted joy.

But I learned that the only journey I have control over is my own. And I am worthy to find peace, hope, and joy no matter what anyone else’s journey may look like—including my husband’s. I can choose to take care of myself. I can choose to stay in my lane of recovery.

I also must remember that God is with me during each detour and bump in the road. He already knows these detours I am facing. I need to remember that these are part of His plan, part of the bigger picture, and part of His purpose.

I can make the choice to trust God and to trust in joy.