The Writing is on the Wall

Every once in a while the truth erupts in our lives with paralyzing clarity. We hear words like: It's over. I'm done. Time is up. I now pronounce you man and wife. It's a boy (or girl). A gavel comes down in a courtroom and the judge says: Case Dismissed!

Something has happened that defines the point of no return, and life will never, ever be the same. In family systems theory such events are called "nodal events", and it is generally agreed that anxiety is generated by these happenings. It doesn't matter whether the occurrence is one of great joy or sorrow. The event may have been anticipated, or it may seem to have come out of the blue. Regardless, the system is rattled and rolled by the event and all people involved will need to adapt in some way. A new baseline of what is "normal" has been established, but it takes time to identify what that "normal" is... often a long time.

The reality is that these points are often preceded by a process. @hat seems as a sudden turn may truly be the result of choices and behavior that have been on a roll... The eruption may seem sudden, but it has been approaching for weeks, months, years, even generations.

Sometimes we use the expression "the writing is on the wall" to describe these turning points. Today's scripture lesson (Daniel 5)tells of the writing which appeared behind a drunken King Balshazzar...



It is wise to be mindful of the way our choices accumulate over time. It is also helpful to identify "nodal events" and work with them to develop thought patterns and behavior that enable us to function more effectively as individuals and as people in relationship.

What are some of the nodal events in your life? When have you seen "the writing on the wall". How have you responded? What difference did your choices make?