A couple years ago we wrote to the prompt follow. We can't follow a better path than the one I wrote about then, and I couldn't express it as well today as I did during Lent 2023. Today I'm using a version of the same graphic because whatever path Jesus shows us; wherever he goes, we will follow.
You know it's about the journey and not about the destination. We talk about a walk by faith. Not a run, jog, sprint, or race. Not a leisurely stroll, either. Almost nine years ago we had Journey as a FMF prompt, too.
A Path
For today let's consider only a small part of the journey, a piece of the path with its switchbacks and surprises, because originally the word journey was about a single day.
Where one day's path begins and ends. What happens during the hours from sunup to sundown, or more realistically, when we get out of bed (any time from a couple of hours before sunrise to a couple of hours after) and when we go to bed and try to go to sleep, which usually is a few hours after the sun goes down.
How do we discern (to use that fancy spiritual term) each day's path? Is it a copy of the previous day? Do we follow an hour by hour schedule someone else outlined for us? Do we separate the path into segments that could be labeled individual, family, work, and other-elsewhere? Does one run into another? Do they happen in different locations? Do we have our list or someone's else's list that we check off as we finish each item?
How much a part of the larger whole does a single day feel? Does one day help hold your family together, help your workplace run smoothly, or maybe contribute a tiny piece to fulfilling your dreams? Does your path for any given day include physical paths like those in your garden or a nearby public park? Do you drive on city streets or urban freeways? Does an unpaved road or neighborhood sidewalk path play any part in your lengths of days? How would you illustrate your path in pen and ink, in pencil, in watercolor, with any kind of art? What would your journal or daybook say about your path?
I'm asking those questions for myself, and I'd love to talk about your answers and your path.
Luke 9:57, Matthew 8:19
Your questions are thought provoking and I loved them. Each day, whatever it may hold, is a part of the path God has marked out for me. Your post brought to mind this song >>
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/mFna4pEF7M8?si=BjagskZBcZBCUjn3
They say my path's a spiral road
ReplyDeleteand down and down and down I'll go
underneath a growing load
of which I hope you never know,
but up above the sky is blue
and puff-clouds frolic on the breeze
and although I always knew
that is be driven to my knees,
that's not the worstest place to be
and this ending run of days,
for looking up, I clearly see
the reason for my thanks and praise,
Christ-Simon helping by my side
that I would not in hell abide.
I loved the thought provoking questions! As one who often simply moves through the day following the daily tasks, this gave inspiration to stop, linger and look at the path ahead!
ReplyDeleteInteresting questions to ponder.
ReplyDeleteA very thought provoking post.
(Visiting from #9)