The Journey - Pt. 2

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV).

 

In yesterday’s devotional we began a series looking at life in terms of a journey. There are as many reasons for traveling as there are people. I must admit that most of the time I have traveled it has been for pleasure; however, some of the most interesting “trips” have been prompted by other incentives. I have traveled for personal education and training of others. I have traveled for ministry to others. I have traveled away from home as well as back home. Each one of these were merely a part of the larger story of my “journey.” Each one of these segments became a learning experience that helped develop who God desired me to become in this life preparing me for my eternal life in heaven.

 

Perhaps a little illustration would prove helpful. My first year at Texas A&M I was unable to have a vehicle on campus. That was simply the rule. No freshman was allowed to have a vehicle if they were a member of the Corps of Cadets. That made travel a bit more “exciting.” I quickly learned that the preferred method of travel was hitchhiking. Please do not take this to mean that I would endorse that mode of travel today. It simply is not safe; perhaps it was not safe then either though I did manage to get from College Station to Galveston many times that way. I simply donned my uniform, packed my Aggie duffle bag (pictured here), and went to the highway to “thumb a ride.” It often took several different people for the trip, but I enjoyed the meeting of new people and their stories, so the time passed quickly.  

 

Just like any trip, there are many things that can surprise us along the way. It may be a minor inconvenience or something much more serious. However, when I finally saw my house each of those times, I knew the difficulties experiences were worth it. Being welcomed home was just one of the highlights. Seeing family and friends that I had been separated from was always wonderful. Remember, in 1967, we didn’t have the capacity to simply dial a number and video chat with family. That technology didn’t exist. And the one pay phone in our dorm was not much of an option! “There’s no place like home,” an old saying reminds us. This is true for us spiritually as well. We are created to be at home in God’s presence. And while sin may promise adventures, the places it can bring us do not provide the security of being at home with God. Our reading reminds us of the God who cares for us along the journey of life. Regardless of your present experience, He is merely directing you to your final home!