When my spirit was in heaviness, thou knewest my path; in the way wherein I walked, have they privily laid a snare for me.

I looked also upon my right hand, and saw there was no man that would know me.

I had no place to flee unto, and no man cared for my soul.

I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living.

Consider my complaint; for I am brought very low.

—Psalm 142

We humans can only stand so much tension and uncertainty; we like being able to take some things for granted. If by choice we open ourselves to change, through travel or new careers or new relationships, we are more prepared for the unexpected. It’s when life throws us a curveball that we balk, or bolt, or whine…and, finally, take a deep breath and move step by step through our bewilderment, fear, and anger to a new place where we can begin to accept things as they are.