All journeys begin.
When I think of all the different journeys I have begun, I recall so many different reasons, different emotions, different vehicles, different companions, different circumstances. Some are planned, some are not, some are familiar, some trigger memories. Every one is unique - even a regular journey along a well known route to a frequent destination is different to the time before! No two journeys are ever the same, and when we make the mistake of thinking they are, we miss so much of what is there to see. I've journeyed for work and I've journeyed for fun. Journeys by car, journeys by plane, journeys on foot, by cycle, by boat and by train. I love the variety.
I like journeys.
Some are marked with excitement, some with frustration, some anticipation or expectation... Some are long, some are short, some are fast, some are slow, some are fun, some are not, some possess everything all in one! A journey not a race - though I often forget and rush along, eager to make good time. Journeys should be experienced, savoured, enjoyed! Journeys often - maybe always - present opportunities, if we take the time to engage and to see them. As I rush from place to place, I'm sure I must be missing opportunities to meet people, to share a moment, an offer of kindness, a social exchange. On a train, I met a guy going home having served his time. I bought him a sandwich and wished him a better journey this time around. Too many times I've hid behind a book or report or even a laptop...and missed the moments. People and places are the substance of journeys - people make journeys. Journeys connect places bringing people together. Isn't that what it's all about?... bringing people together!
and I like Journey's End.
Getting there. Meeting friends or family. A meeting with colleagues. Exploring a new destination. Starting a holiday. Every journey's end is a new beginning, a new opportunity. Every end has it's beginning and a journey that comes between.
But the greatest journey of all must be the one that begins every day...the journey of life.
So, I want to mark the beginnings and the endings and enjoy the journeys that life inevitably brings, new every morning - so, whether you share my beliefs or not, be content and look around as you journey through life... enjoy the people you meet and the places you visit - you never know what your journey might bring.
Right now my journey is taking an unexpected turn, from a place of work to a new place; a place not yet known - not by my choice but I know this is my journey and one I must take. I don't have a route or a map but I keep walking forward believing and trusting that the One who journeys with me knows the Way. It sounds naiive and a little old fashioned but we've traveled a long way together and we've come this far, so why would He fail me now?... (either that or I've just been lucky! But if luck be your reason can you be certain it will hold?)
As for me, I thank you Lord for the journey today and the confidence of your company.
