I recently heard a talk that described a life of faith as simply “the way.” Those two words made me think of traveling in general, and this journey of life in particular. In life, we experience both joy and sorrow, hope and despair, beauty and horror. How can we best navigate such a journey?
Since I just returned from a trip, I thought of my preparations for that trip. I always pack from a list so that I don’t forget any essentials, and to ensure that I don’t overpack. Once I’m packed, I always give it a once-over to look for extraneous items. I’m the one who is going to have to carry it, after all.
If I were to apply that process to the journey of life, what are my essentials? And what am I carrying that I do not need?
As I pondered my essentials, a few came to mind right away. The assurance that I don’t have to be afraid, because help is at hand. The reminder that what looks impossible to me is not impossible. The promise that mourning can turn into dancing. And the knowledge that there will be trouble in this world, and that peace is still possible in the middle of it.
My prayer for each of us is that we are reminded each day to carry only the essentials on this journey of life: peace, love, and mercy. I also pray that we are reminded to surrender and release all that we do not need to carry: judgment, worry, and fear.
May a peace that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind today and every day.