Destination Mwhere

A few years ago my sister called and asked about the chances of getting a week's leave on fairly short notice. So within two weeks we were on the road north, not knowing when we left Dallas if we were going to Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana or maybe Maine (Mississippi wasn't on the list because it was in the wrong direction). It was a little stressful for family members who wanted to keep tabs on our progress but we couldn't offer any consolation to them because the only firm decision we made was to cross Maine and Montana off the list and add Wisconsin (which is a M state upside down, eh?). Her son-in-law helped us provide a firm answer; we were headed to "Michconsota!" Yes, we were definitely either headed to Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota. That was our firm decision!!! Some people, usually complete strangers, were intrigued and envied our trek. We told them we had room but no one could pull up stakes on such short notice. By the time we left Kansas City where our brother and family lives we had narrowed our choices slightly and continued due north on I-35. We had an early GPS unit, but basically it could only help tell us where we were, not where we were headed. By the time we made it through Iowa, the decision narrowed finally to the north shore of Minnesota. We drove almost to the Canadian border along Lake Michigan and toured one of more famous sites, Split-Rock Lighthouse.
It was a great trip! It was an adventure!

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You provide the inner compass we need to point us towards our next mission, our next learning opportunity, our return home. We remain puzzled how fishermen were able to lay down their nets to follow Jesus, with no destination, no guarantees, no logic, and no promised return date home. The fishermen were living week t0 week as most of us are today. Their family depended on them. But to take that liberating step of relinquishment, if only for a day, if only in a small measure of our life would be an exercise in faith. Jesus did not ask individuals to travel alone; as a congregation, let us journey together in a grand exercise of faith. Let us be open to unknown destinations and agree to put aside our nets, our excuses, our reluctance, and our security, if not for good, then in steady increments. Your truth beacons to us as a lighthouse, providing a coordinate for hope that we too will be disciples. Amen