Yeah, I know. Journey. Kind of an overused word. As in "life's a journey" and "it's not the destination, it's the...". Exactly. Road less travelled, and all that.And yet, here I am. 42 years old, and still trying to figure out my journey.
I'm going on vacation this week, and I know where I'm starting from, where I'm going, and how I'm getting there. Too bad life's not as clear - I can tell you where I've been, but not really how it all started. I certainly can't tell you where I'm going - not because I don't want to, but because I don't know myself.
But I'm starting to figure out the mode of transportation. When I was young, I thought the journey was all about high speed vision and high octane energy. Then someone told me the transport was strategic planning, well-prepared and well-executed. Somewhere in there I was told it was all spiritual - all a matter of prayer and prophetic anointing. It's some of all of those, but there's something else.
Because here I am in midlife and it has just dawned on me that the journey is through relationship. That's right. I thought my life was a solo walk to discover my purpose and eventually my bridge to Avalon. Turns out it's a bus ride (and in my case, usually the short bus), an experience of community where real people get real.
Ever been the solo passenger on a bus? Now that's depressing. Sometimes I feel like my bus is empty, and then I'll meet a friend - like one I shared a coffee with today - and I'm reminded my bus is full. My bus is full, I just need to look around a little. And strike up a conversation or two.
My bus is a bit smelly, sometimes. Not everyone is beautiful or brilliant, to me, but they certainly are to my Heavenly Father, and they are all lovely. A few people on my bus are nothing but needy. And guess what? I'm learning I even need the needy ones; they fill gaps in my life. At times, I'm the neediest one there. And all of them combined pour into my life, like colors on a tie-dyed t-shirt. A bus with passengers is way more interesting than a bunch of empty seats.
So it really is a journey. Got a long way to go, but know this: it's a worthwhile journey.
Welcome to "mid-life" my friend. Some say it's a *crisis*, I prefer calling mine a *circus*... I'm the one on the 2-wheeler having a blast :-)
ReplyDeleteFunny, as I read the first couple paragraphs, I thought of your journey as being one that helps complete other people's journeys. You as a road sign that helps give direction, didn't seem right. That was too static for what you are. Then the thought of you as a fellow traveler came to mind. You're right, that's what your journey is, one that completes itself as you help others complete theirs. Although I don't think you are ever alone on that bus.
ReplyDeleteLoved your post.
Hey Brian, Great blog..I remember reading all of your articles in the paper her in Chilliwack. You are a great writer and I look forward to reading more from you. Miss you around here.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
JAson Perrin