Day 8

On Monday night, I was driving home from a meeting outside of West Chester. One road in turned one-way as I drove out, and I ended up not knowing where I was in the rolling hills of Chester County. At first, I trusted my instincts to at least be going in the right direction. When I began to doubt those (it didn't take long), I started watching the compass setting in the car. That guided me well for awhile until I had no idea where I was or if I was going in the right direction at all. In the dark, on the side of the road, I saw a sign for an orchard I had visited a couple of times and quickly started scanning road signs. I started to see some roads I recognized, and during the next 20 minutes, proceeded to feel my way back home, not in a straight path and sometimes with questionable driving practices, back home.

My drive home is such a metaphor for the life of faith. The journey frequently takes place in the dark, with only glimmers of light. The signposts guiding our way are often not obvious and direct. We feel our way through our relationship with God by following roads we are sure of for awhile, feeling totally lost and backtracking occassionally, and eventually ending up in a place of safety and rest. As we journey through the fast, may this be an opportunity to find some light for our path, a road sign to God, and to experience the peace and joy of home in God's heart.

Lord, even when we travel off the known paths, we are never lost to you. Nowhere in our life's journey is hidden, unknown, or obscured from your sight. Thank you for your guiding hand when we begin to stray, your gentle light when we feel lost, and the tug of your Spirit to reset our course. Traveling God, we offer up all the brothers and sisters of our congregation. Sweep the power of your Spirit upon each and every one of us, that we may be renewed and revived in our journey with you. Bring about a time of renewed fervor for your face, so that our will as a body and as individuals will conform to yours and the heart of Christ will burn brightly in each of us. Thank you for your guidance through Jesus, Amen.