Unknown

Great navigators, on occasion, have no idea where they are.  Fantastic planners, at times, do not know what is going to happen next.  Even incredible project managers can lose track of what is coming.  In these moments, in the presence of the unknown, life takes on a very different perspective.  One naturally wants to panic.  One's tendency is to bolt towards safe surroundings.  Fear, uncertainties, and doubts often plague our imaginary worlds; without familiar bearings, each seems to strengthen and threaten to overwhelm.
There are too many examples of individual panic.  Young athletes find themselves where they did not expect to be and their mouths go into overdrive.  It is someone's fault, anyone's but her or her own.  The voices of wisdom in their lives appear to have been left behind.  His or her self-destruction dominates the headlines. 
I look for different models.  Some lived in the constant unknown.  Even when, unexpectedly, “Philip showed up in Azotus and continued north, preaching the Message in all the villages along that route until he arrived at Caesarea,”  (Acts 8.40) he was simply responding to the unknown that came in any given moment in time. 
Remember, every moment is unknown, even when we know.
Every step is an opportunity, unique, wonderful, and scary, to intentionally do.  We choose.  We decide.  We take the step.  I cannot take yours or you mine.  We are alone and yet together in the moment at hand.
Our greatest opportunities to live are within the current moment.  Without planning, without a script that dictates what we must do, we have options to exercise compassion, share mercy, and act as part of a community.
In my life, I find myself stepping out into the unknown.  There are far too many reasons to be petrified.  God is giving me gifts; an acceptance and wonder for what I cannot see; an unquenchable curiosity to walk with the Spirit; an extraordinary sense of peace because of the extended community that I know deeply cares.  It is a wonderful place to be.  I like being in and with hope.