Our Paths

I've been thinking a lot about the "journey of life" lately.

My life runs along a path, with twists and turns, portions that run smoothly downhill, and rocky stretches that are up the steepest inclines. Sometimes it feels like I can see for miles ahead, and other times, there are branches, boulders, or tangled roots that hinder my steps and block my vision.

During difficult portions of the journey, I get exasperated. I think to myself, "Jesus Christ! Every single time I get through a rough patch, there's another one a few yards down." And then I wonder if I was cursing or praying when I said "Jesus Christ!"; sometimes it was definitely a prayer, and sometimes it was something more akin to cursing.

When it's the latter, I feel bad. I tell God that I didn't really mean it, that I'm just really tired. I tell Him that I really need His help, and that I can't take this journey by myself. I never really hear Him say anything in response. Instead, my situation changes. Sometimes dramatically, but more often it's quite a subtle change. There are times when the change takes place immediately; other times it takes a long, long time. I remember one situation took years to become tolerable.

I guess we're all pilgrims on this journey. Your path is your own, and no one else can walk it for you; the same is true for me. But if our paths happen to run parallel to one another, or even better, actually cross, let's be sure to share some words of encouragement with each other.