Recently I was blessed to reunite with two very dear friends
after many years. We have spent those
years living in different parts of the country.
Time and distance; the busyness of daily life with families; the experiencing
of life events; and other life circumstance often intervened or distracted us
from frequent contact. We were fortunate
to spend several days together - in the
desert of all places! Each day, time was
taken for what became our most enjoyable activity ... hiking.
Yes, it was a great way to fit in exercise (we managed our
10,00 steps each day).
Yes, it was a great way to discover and appreciate the
beauty of the desert.
But it became something deeper.
During our time together J, our friend who was from the
area, led the way. Being from the area, she knew the lay of the land; made sure we got to the proper
trailhead and started down the right trail; led us through the unfamiliar
territory; encouraged us; took care of us and made sure we had what was needed
("drink your water! you dehydrate so much faster in the desert");
pointed out dangers we maybe were unaware of (ever heard of a "jumping cholla"?) and helped us appreciate the local beauty. We obviously put our trust in her lead which
took some of the unknown away and maybe put a fear or two (tarantulas and
snakes) at ease. This really helped us appreciate where we were and made the journey all that more enjoyable. She was a great guide.
For over two
decades we had each faced our individual journeys on the trail of life. As we hiked the desert miles together, we had
the time to share the landmarks on our individual trails.
Those landmarks had consisted of challenges (health issues,
death, sorrows, concerns) and joys (accomplishments, celebrations, grace in the
midst of trial). As we shared these journeys, both our individual and the present hiking experiences, it became apparent that we had another Guide.
Guide. A
counselor. Leader. Mentor.
Pilot. Advisor. Chaperone.
Director. Example. A scout.
A Navigator. Our Pathfinder.
Our Guide was present for each of us in the midst of our
individual journeys and He was very
present as we shared our time reconnecting with each other renewing not only
our friendships but our spirits wearied by life's trail.
Presently, our time together was led. Our individual anticipations, hesitations,
anxieties and perhaps fears of reconnection after more than two decades were
unfamiliar territory through which we literally provided for and led. We were given what we so obviously needed -
moments brought up at the right time to be able to share some hard challenges
or hurts we had traveled through; moments appeared that encouraged us to
revisit paths of fear and doubt we had or were presently facing; and moments to
share joys that had us celebrating and laughing - at times uncontrollably. Through our time in the desert and our Guide's
presence we were able to trust his path finding skills and went places and found
ways to mark healing, encouragement, and the renewal we now had and will
continue.
So now we return to our individual trails. We still face what lies ahead. But we possess
a new found consciousness and intentional awareness. We will never again feel like we are
traveling without each other's companionship.
And more importantly, our Guide is with us. Always present. Even though at times we cannot see what lies
ahead; or we are unaware of dangers; or we feel at a loss coming to crossroads;
or we feel exhausted and may not be able to discern what we really need; - our
Guide is there helping us navigate; giving us encouragement; covering our
needs.
It is my prayer for you as you hike life's trail to become
conscious of this trustworthy Guide, be intentional aware of His Presence. He is trustworthy. And through Him, the beauty of the hike can
be truly appreciated and recognized.
Blessings.
The Lord your God has blessed
you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey
through this vast wilderness
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have
redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right
paths for his name’s sake.
For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide
even to the end.
You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You
will take me into glory.
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along
unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light
before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I
will not forsake them.
The Lord will guide you
always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen
your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters
never fail.
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