Lost

"All who wander are not lost."

I heard a quote the other day that went something like this: "If you don't know where you're going, any road will do."

I have been lost more than my fair share while trying to get from point A to point B or while exploring some remote region of this country or that one. Isn't it funny how when you are trying to get somewhere, getting lost can cause a real sense of panic and frustrustion since we know we are not where we are supposed to be? I admit I am not the best in those moments I am lost...

On the other hand, there have been those times when I've been "lost" and didn't seem to mind it at all, like those lazy drives in the plains of America or while exploring the backroads of Donegal in Ireland where, if there are any road signs at all, they are most certainly pointing you in the wrong direction. Getting lost, in these occasions, becomes a chance to see the unexpected. Sometimes, it's a nice little diversion that offers a whole different perspective on the place you find yourself in.

For some people, being lost is the destination of choice. With no place in particular to go, some folks seem content to meander through life while enjoying chance encounters with people and place. I can understand the curiosity of the wanderer, those who seem to be seeking after what may be more ethereal than many would prefer. Many have wandered from well-worn paths to seek spiritual renewal or vision. Even Jesus escaped the common to find vision and clarity for his eventual return to the people he was called to.

Clearly, all who wander are not lost.

There is a difference between being lost due to one's own idiocy (which usually follows a period of wandering through the proverbial desert) and taking the less-traveled road to be refreshed, renewed, and even surprised. Many of the highlights of my life have come from the second type of journey; some of the worst moments have come from the first.

There is a Voice that leads us along the Journey. Some, having ignored the whispers have found themselves in the stinky belly of a big fish (or something like that). Others have enjoyed the companionship of the Voice and have appreciated the unique places that listening (and obeying) has taken them. I, for one, have enjoyed the diversion that these last couple years have brought and the perspective such a journey has offered.

I hear someone calling my name. Gotta go...

Give

Gain

"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36).

Give up my plans for God's plans?

Give up hoarding to gain treasures in heaven?

Give up frustrations to gain God's peace?

Give up unforgiveness to gain God's forgiveness?

Give up control of others to gain God's control of me?

Give up what is false and temporary for something true and lasting?

Give up security in possessions and gain certain security in the promise of God?

Give up grief to gain hope?

Isn't it amazing what we hold on to?

Honor

What's It Like?

"Greater love has no one than this..."

What's it like to love as the nails are being driven in your hands and your body is being lifted before on-lookers as a spectacle? What kind of love can go along with that?

What's it like to love and sacrifice because it is right without expectation of anything in return? What kind of love is that?

What's it like to love despite feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, weakness, and inadequacy? What kind of love can overcome that?

What's it like to take risks for love knowing that the costs may be high and risking for it anyhow? What kind of love can do that?

What's it like to love so much that going into it you already knew the painful outcomes and yet you loved anyhow? What kind of love endures that?

What's it like to love a prodigal, to fear for him, to miss him, to wonder what my heart would do upon his return? What kind of love forgives all that?

What's it like to love like Jesus?

I'd like to know...but I don't know if I can pay that price.

Rich List

"The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you to not have any" (K. Whitehorn).

I recently stumbled across a website called "The Global Rich List" published in London. By going to the following link, you can enter your annual income and see how you rank among the world's rich and poor. Imagine my surprise as I landed somewhere in the top 1 percent. Even the poorest people in America are in the top 15 percent of the world's earners.

http://www.globalrichlist.com/index.php

Every so often, we need a reminder of how good we've got it -- and perhaps, it may stir us on again to a better Way to live.

Exile

"I am in exile, a sojourner A citizen of some other place All I've seen is just a glimmer in a shadowy mirror But I know, one day well see face to face I am a nomad, a wanderer I have nowhere to lay my head down There's no point in putting roots too deep when I'm moving on Not settling for this unsettling town My heart is filled with songs of forever The city that endures when all is made new I know I don't belong here, I'll never Call this place my home, I'm just passing through I am a pilgrim, a voyager I wont rest until my lips touch the shore Of the land that I've been longing for as long as I've lived Where they'll be no pain or tears anymore My heart is filled with songs of forever The city that endures when all is made new I know I don't belong here, I'll never Call this place my home, I'm just passing through. "

"In Exile" by Thrice