There are two kinds of adventurers: those who go truly hoping to find adventure and those who go secretly hoping they won’t.
(William Least Heat-Moon in Blue Highways: A Journey into America)
For many years I have gone on little adventures; just a few days away by myself, mostly no farther than a day’s drive. It is a time to hear the sound of my own thoughts, take a break from schedules and experience things that my family is not interested. Beginning with the very first one, I got lost. It totally stressed me out. This was before in-car navigation and cell phones. All I had was an awkward, too-large-for-the-front-seat paper map. I finally found my way to the hotel after navigating road closures, detours and rain. I dried off, took a breath and then was delighted when I found the hotel bar featured a string quartet that evening. I was able to let go.
Ever since that first trip, I now look forward to the moment when I am lost. It happens every time I travel. It is part of the adventure! So now when it happens, usually at night and/or in the rain, I have a moment when I literally say out loud to myself, “Here it is.” I embrace that part of the trip like every other part. For me it is a way to relinquish control, albeit reluctantly.
After all these years of adventures I have learned that getting lost means that I will also be found. And learning that being found does not happen in the way I imagine.
· Sometimes I do it alone.
· Sometimes I ask for help.
· Sometimes I end up somewhere unexpected.
· Sometimes I easily fall back into my plan.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to. (Miracle on 34th Street)
At some point we all have lost; our way, joy, laughter, hope, our voice, love. This is the reality of being human. The other reality is that we are created for community. When we are lost, we are not alone. (Although sometimes it feels that way.) Because we are in community, we will be found.
How do I know? Because I have confidence in all the good that is unseen.
Because I believe when common sense tells me not to. I have faith.
And when my faith wavers, you have faith for me.
We are always found.
~ Pam
(William Least Heat-Moon in Blue Highways: A Journey into America)
For many years I have gone on little adventures; just a few days away by myself, mostly no farther than a day’s drive. It is a time to hear the sound of my own thoughts, take a break from schedules and experience things that my family is not interested. Beginning with the very first one, I got lost. It totally stressed me out. This was before in-car navigation and cell phones. All I had was an awkward, too-large-for-the-front-seat paper map. I finally found my way to the hotel after navigating road closures, detours and rain. I dried off, took a breath and then was delighted when I found the hotel bar featured a string quartet that evening. I was able to let go.
Ever since that first trip, I now look forward to the moment when I am lost. It happens every time I travel. It is part of the adventure! So now when it happens, usually at night and/or in the rain, I have a moment when I literally say out loud to myself, “Here it is.” I embrace that part of the trip like every other part. For me it is a way to relinquish control, albeit reluctantly.
After all these years of adventures I have learned that getting lost means that I will also be found. And learning that being found does not happen in the way I imagine.
· Sometimes I do it alone.
· Sometimes I ask for help.
· Sometimes I end up somewhere unexpected.
· Sometimes I easily fall back into my plan.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to. (Miracle on 34th Street)
At some point we all have lost; our way, joy, laughter, hope, our voice, love. This is the reality of being human. The other reality is that we are created for community. When we are lost, we are not alone. (Although sometimes it feels that way.) Because we are in community, we will be found.
How do I know? Because I have confidence in all the good that is unseen.
Because I believe when common sense tells me not to. I have faith.
And when my faith wavers, you have faith for me.
We are always found.
~ Pam
