Reality: Is the Honeymoon Over?

Any time we make a change in our life, we enter a transition stage. We are closing down life as we know it and opening the door to a new "normal"! Like getting a fresh start. This is sometimes called the "honeymoon" phase. Everything is new and exciting, a clean slate, like starting a new adventure. Little things don't bother you. You are so glad you made this change. Everything is coming up roses!

Then it hits! CRASH! Reality brings you back to earth. The rose-colored glasses get knocked off. Those little things that didn't matter now become big things that do. All of a sudden, this new adventure is losing its luster. Gladness turns into the "what have I done" stage. Life before this change doesn't seem so bad after all.

This new reality requires adjustments on our part. It is inevitable! While some adjustments are easier than others, you still have to go through it. You gotta learn a new way of doing things! You "aint" in Kansas any more!

We have come back down to earth in our new position as houseparents! Reality has definitely set in. While we know deep down that this, too, shall pass, its hard going through the transition. How do we deal with it? Thats hard to answer. For us, we need encouraging words, time for prayer and reflection, and plain, old perseverance.

One more thing! Knowing that we have five extra sets of eyes watching every move we make, we try to make this time a learning experience. We are fully aware that we are human -- the boys need to know this, too. In seeking to maintain a strong family structure, we want the boys to visibly see that they are an important part of the process. All of this takes time! Patience is a virtue!

The honeymoon may be over, but the journey continues! We are in this for the long haul! We will survive! Man, if we can do it, you can too!

Carpe Diem!