A friend has been on a difficult journey. The path destroyed many of the safety lines that gave him comfort and assurance. One can debate how he got to this point. In my mind, regardless of the primary responsibility (blame), there are two points. Getting to a destination requires many steps. When one arrives, it is easy to forget that the journey is the sum of decision after decision, step after step. Secondly, there was help along the way. Help could be a push a pull, a response to a request or a bullying move of someone interfering. Forces in our lives influence the speed of our journey. Forces shape our destination although I do not believe they ever have the final say.
As I watch various journeys, in fear and awe, I see a pattern repeating. Regardless of the labels we put on our destinations, if in doubt, we head to a place that provides solace and peace. I often catch myself describing it differently yet in my heart I know what I long for. I miss the assurance of belonging, the feeling of knowing how things work, and having a sense of control. If I am pushed to the edge, I will head to a place that provides solace and the things my heart longs for.
As I reflect on the paths my journeys have taken me to, Life likes to replay the destination as a reflection of my heart’s desires. It is a challenging picture. Many destinations conflict with my aspirations. I long for a place where compassion and mercy rule! I want to be in a community where community trumps individual interests, with an emphasis on more not less. I believe we are accountable for using the freedom embedded with us. Unless we are in a place of Hope, we may not be able to use this freedom. The only destination for me is one that also has a living God who embodies compassion, community, and hope.
“I run for dear life to God, I’ll never live to regret it.” (Psalm 71.1)
