In some mythologies a flying turtle represents a paradox. To my knowledge, a turtle can fly only by being thrown into the air. That would be frightening for the turtle. Difficult changes and losses can throw us from a life that feels safe and familiar into a life of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, and grief. We lose our sense of control as we experience unexpected and often traumatic changes in relationships, health, mortality, spiritual wellbeing, and hope. Such changes and losses throw us into many paradoxes regarding life and death. Death frightens us as the hope of heaven comforts us. We grow weary of caring for an ill loved one and want it to be over, but we don't want them to die. We hurt, but we also feel numb. We feel stuck as we fly forward into the unfamiliar. As if flying on a turtle, we must relinquish control to God and trust that by grace we or our loved one will safely land at a destination that he has chosen. I HAVE MADE YOU AND I WILL CARRY YOU; I WILL SUSTAIN YOU, AND I WILL RESCUE YOU. Isaiah 46:4 (NIV 1985)
