The journey to the Island is very like the pilgrimage of life. Sometimes the way is easy, level going and without hindrance. At other times we find our way blocked and we can do nothing about it but wait. No amount of jumping up and down or getting irate will change the situation, unless you are Moses or have the cloak of Elijah! There are times when we must move forward without delay or the opportunity will have gone and the road before us will be closed. Sometimes life is all at sea and then another time a road opens up suddenly before us. At all times we need to accept the wisdom, knowledge, and guidance of those who have gone before us. We need to plan our journey and be aware of any hazards we may encounter. Without a doubt we are all travelers in this world, if not pilgrims. We are all on a journey along the road of life.
David Adam, The Road of Life, xiv.
Last night I was looking for something to read. As I was scanning my shelves, my eyes came across this book that I purchased last summer. I immediately knew this was the one to pick up!
In the past two months, I have enjoyed the very tumultuous road of life. I have been on a pilgrimage with my Lord, and I must confess I am still trying to get my legs under me after a long, fast moving stretch of the journey!
I have many children and one of their favorite movie is Cars. In this movie, the title song states that "life is a highway, and I want to drive it all night long." While I love this movie and even enjoy this song, I find that my life is more of an off-road experience resembling driving along a seldom used logging trail. I guess I am envious of those folks whose life is just a smooth highway!
It seems to me that the only time my ride is really smooth is when I am sitting still. I love these times of refreshment and relaxing. Yet, they are often brief because the Spirit speaks in the midst of them to provoke me onward. Generally, I then start to move forward on a clearly marked section of the logging road. Soon there is a bend in the road; and as I take the corner, I see that the road immediately ahead angles into a swamp, is rock covered, or is overgrown with bushes and recently fallen trees.
How do we not only survive but also thrive on this often bumpy road of life?
"At all times we need to accept the wisdom, knowledge, and guidance of those who have gone before us. We need to plan our journey and be aware of any hazards we may encounter."
What great advice! We live in a rootless age marked by shallow soil (to mix my metaphors from that of a road to agricultural terms!). There is such a disdain for anything older than yesterday or wisdom that does not immediately match and suit our accepted contemporary sensibilities.
Is there any wonder why so many of our youth appear to lack vision for life? They were told that "life is a highway." Then they begin to live and find that life is more like a winding logging road through the middle of nowhere!
Thankfully, our journey is not through uncharted territory. The road of life, the pilgrimage each of us travels, the path we each must choose is charted, marked, and navigated. Our North Star is the One True and Living God who calls us to true life. This life begins with an acknowledged relationship with Him. I say acknowledged; because even if we wish to deny it, this God is the Father of all and He is constantly calling out to us. We never journey alone. Learn to walk with Him by faith because He knows the way.
Second, there have been many map-makers throughout history. These folks may not have had iPhones and the internet, but they had all the temptations and difficulties known to us all. They have experienced broken relationships. They have lived through tragedy. They have been stung by sin's bite. They have lived through the swamps and pitfalls along the road!
They have also experienced the joys of life that each of us long for. They have fallen in love, had children, enjoyed their friend's company, thought through questions and issues, and enjoyed the small moments in life. They have experienced great success. These folks have lived through the smooth places and level parts of the road. They can show you the way.
Most importantly, these map-makers can and will point you to the One who knows your path. They will encourage you in the difficult times and the great times. Why would we want to walk through life as if we are the only ones who could know our own struggles?
Join with the community of faith throughout all time. Look, with the community of fellow pilgrims, toward that One True Guide who calls out to you. Stop your refusal to listen! Ask Him to tune your ears that you can hear His voice. Ask Him to change your heart so that you will follow.
We do not travel alone. Look to the Guide, for He knows the road you must travel.
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