The Happy Wanderer

I'm wearing a t-shirt that says, "Not all that wander are lost." It's an affirming message to me that helps explain the wanderlust of the bend around the corner. I'll never forget rounding one curve and having the majestic Tetons revealed. One minute earlier we saw nice landscapes, but we had no idea we were about to behold a vision unlike anything ever seen before by our limited experience.

Every so often I have to find an alternate route home on my drive after work. Not because of traffic or bad weather, but just because I have to switch things around from time to time. I like to see where a road leads, I formulate a shortcut, and sometimes I determine that's an area I won't revisit. Lesson learned. Even though I don't own a GPS, I don't get stressed as I'm scouting out new leads. I know that eventually I'll run into a road that I know, or that my keen (?) sense of direction will face me in the right direction. And sooner or later, those excursions pay off when there is a traffic snarl or if the interstate bridges are iced over. Maybe if my car were less dependable I might be a little more cautious in my adventures; and as much as I enjoy taking new roads, I equally dislike being the lead car and having someone follow me as I change lanes, make U-turns, and flounder in choices. I'm fine when my choices only affect myself, but once my actions domino into other people's courses, I'm less likely to gamble on a new route and I question the routes that I do know. The questions arise - Will we arrive together? Does everyone drive the same speed? Will someone be uncomfortable with the course that we're on? Will we still be speaking to each other?

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We are not the first to wander, nor the first to wonder as we wander! We grow impatient as we sit in traffic gridlock much less tolerate the forty-year wait of the Israelites in Exodus. O God, we do not like to wait. We look for short cuts to rebuild the church and we plot an itinerary for rebirth. As we advance, the road begins to curve, and just around the bend your majesty is unveiled and we are reminded that you are Lord of all. Dear God, We have time, but you have eternity. We have schemes, but you have a mission. We have goals, but you have grace. Let us seek the roads less traveled and the roads mostly traveled, and give us the foresight to agree on a haven where we come back as one to share our joys and our lessons learned. Together we can learn more about that which we have yet to conceive. Amen.