There’s a picture in my office that has become one of my favorite pieces. The image is almost a silhouette scene showing a man and a woman traveling. The woman is riding on a donkey. Faces aren’t visible, in fact it’s kind of a blurred or out of focus image. Of course, with what I’ve just described the thought is this is a scene depicting Mary and Joseph on their way from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
The picture shows heads slightly bowed, as if the travelers are weary. There is no obvious destination that can be seen, yet the brightness off in the distance gives the impression there is hope, there is something worthwhile being pursued.
This picture was given to me by several staff here at our church because it reflects one of my favorite sayings they’ve heard me repeat regularly, “It’s a Journey!” I often say this because I’ve come to realize in life that rarely does one arrive at the desired destination quickly. It takes time…it is a journey. I think of Abraham and Sarah who were promised to have a heritage numbering more than the stars of the sky, and yet they seemed unable to have children. I think of Moses who led the Hebrew people out of Egypt with the Promised Land before them. Yet it would take 40+ years to achieve that goal…and Moses the leader didn’t get to enter into the promise. I think of David who as a boy was told that he would be king. Yet it took many, many years, struggles and challenges, and even threats on his life before that promise was fulfilled. I think of Solomon who was considered the wisest and wealthiest man for his day, sort of the Bill Gates of his time. And yet it took years, likely most of his lifetime, for him to discover what true happiness was really about.
In fact, I’ve heard it said that here in America we tend to have “Destination Disease.” Meaning, we tend to focus so much on the destination or “getting there” that we overlook the experiences, needs, or even the process of the journey. Destination Disease has been the cause of a number of airplane and vehicle accidents in which the pilot or driver is so focused on the destination that he or she overlooks some important details essential for the flight. (I was almost victim to this disease years ago.)
This week we have begun the journey of Lent. It’s a journey that starts with ashes and realizing our sinfulness and mortality, and it ends with us all at the cross, staring at the face of love and true sacrifice. I know, the temptation is ever present to jump straight to Easter. Let’s celebrate life, get out the bright colored clothes, and rejoice in our living and present Savior. I understand that. Yet I believe this can be a form of spiritual destination disease.
You see, I believe God wants us to experience something deep and meaning-filled in Lent. Pope Francis in his Ash Wednesday address said the real journey of Lent isn’t about giving up candy, alcohol, red meat, or Facebook. He went on to say what we really need to give up is our indifference toward others. Yes, that takes real work. Yes, that takes time and effort. That is a journey that truly takes a lifetime.
This picture in my office is a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey, but it is also a reminder of the journey that God has called me…and all of us to share. What is it we desire to experience this Lent? How do we anticipate God to shape us along the way? Don’t forget to be open to the journey because the truth is, God isn’t just present with us at the destination. God is with us, teaching, shaping, guiding, nurturing, challenging us every step of the way. Yes, even in Lent, the brightness of the future proclaims there is something worthwhile and meaningful we are pursuing…even in the journey of today!
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith