A new day dawned with much to be accomplished. I had hardly slept the night before. The telephone rang almost incessantly with questions of my whereabouts, who I was with, and many other questions I cannot recall. As I sat curled in a ball rocking back and forth from the anxiety, I was grateful to know I would soon be protected from his calls. I couldn’t help but wonder what would take place once he realized we were completely out of his control.

My parents arrived helping to load those things that were most essential. Wanting to make sure this was the best move for all involved, Dad spent time on the telephone with counselors who were quite familiar with our case. The most heart-wrenching moment came when he and Mom sat the kids down in the living room before we left. With a heavy heart Dad searched for words that would help them somehow understand that his purpose was not to steal them away from their Dad, but to help provide time, distance, and a place for healing. My youngest son sobbed as he listened, slowly packing keepsakes in a box from his best friend at school. My daughter cried at the uncertainty of it all. My middle son simply sat listening with a blank stare, emotionally numb.

We joined hands in prayer before finally pulling out of the driveway. I sunk back into my seat limp, defeated, and exhausted. Relief mixed with feelings of loss rushed through my heart, and tears began to flow. My sweet Momma reassured me that God had me in the palm of His hand, and that all would be good. A decision was made to go somewhere neutral for a few days giving us all a brief period of time to decompress. We drove to a cabin on the lake where we rested, talked, and prayed for direction. Mom and Dad spent time with the kids, and I wrestled with the next moves.

Late one evening sitting by the pool watching my children laugh and play, a sense of peace fell over me like I had not experienced in a long, long time. For the first time in months, possibly years, I felt safe and truly loved. There was no walking on eggshells, no dodging anger, no dancing around truth. Although there were many struggles ahead, for that moment in time I was finally waiting in peace.

Romans 15:12-14 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.