Launch day. One I never saw coming. Me, make a website? A milestone, to be sure, but there is so much farther still to go. What may lie in wait on the path ahead? How fraught with hardship will it be? So sayeth fear and worry, never ceasing their toilsome creep.
Then I remember the light of my path, the One who set me on this journey to begin with. The Author of this adventure, giving purpose and joy. Looking back over the trail behind, it is sprinkled with blessings, comforts, and companions–none of it deserved. All of it a gift. Why do I so often overlook them? How can I so easily forget? Am I the only one?
I’ll make my foolish heart remember. And I will have faith now as I face something new. Truly, I am grateful for all the provision bringing me this far. Yet I stand here, intimidated before a daunting door.
Is it barred? Even if I got through, am I ready for what’s on the other side? You can overcome all things, Father. In You I have no doubt. It’s me I’m unsure about. My shortcomings and weaknesses abound.
But wait. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. And so once again You come through in that subtle, sure, mysterious way. Imparting epiphany. I need not face that towering door. I need not carry this heavy dread. I can simply walk away.
Sometimes we are called to face dragons and slay them, overcoming fear and giving our all for the kingdom. Sometimes we make sacrifices that were never asked for, following the same path for so long we forget there are others. Trudging forward, head down, so focused we stop listening for the Shepherd’s voice, straining ahead when all He wants is for us to lie down beside still waters in green pastures.
In a world of fickle crowds, crazed with the latest shiny trinket, bigger & better, speeding toward nothing faster & faster, driving forward at all cost for no gain . . . I step aside, departing from the main way. Turn from the daunting door.
Slow down.
Look back.
Retrace my steps. All the way to the beginning of it all. To a different time. A different door.
There it is. The future, right there in the past.
This uncommon way is little traveled. Winding merrily in no hurry through birdsong-filled forests and flowering meadows kissed by sunbeams. Most march the straight, efficient, thronged main ways–yet I am not alone here. Such deception no longer fools me. Few find this narrow path, true, but there are plenty of others on it. Fellow travelers, brothers & sisters.
And that is the point of all this. We haven’t come here to be alone, to stand out, to find ourselves, or be given special treatment. We’re here to show others the way, to beckon them to follow us as we all follow Him. And become our best selves along the way, a feat at which I fail time after time.
Yet I grin, because no matter how I struggle to write my flawed little story, I am a part of the grand, eternal, perfect one. With all my brethren, all those who went before and all those yet to come. Bless us and carry us through to the end.
Yes, it’s the endings we live for. We aren’t there yet. High adventure lies between here and there.
For now, back to the beginning . . .
Great coffee house! It was really helpful to learn your knowledge of books. The coffee was the best in all the realm. Truth is I have never had coffee before, neither have I heard of such a beverage. It tasted interesting and I tried more! You were a great host Serl. I hope to meet you again someday in my journey.
Sincerely, Sabitai
Thanks for the kind words, ‘Sabitai.’ I’ll pass them on to Serl. Until we meet again…
Buddy, this is totally amazing! I love how there is just enough here to get your mind wondering and how it will all tie together with the books (since I already know the books!). I think this is going to draw and attract a lot of people to you & your stuff, which will open a door to share Jesus in their lives. Can not wait to spread your cards like wildfire!!! Have so many people in mind right now…
Keep sharing and writing, I am so honored to be a small part of this, not that at the time I really knew I was doing anything. I pray that God will continue to honor, bless, and grow this into something you were not even able to envision. Wish we were sitting in a coffee shop right now, catching up over a warm mug, and I am totally on board with a cinnamon stick! Love ya bro….
Travis,
I am deeply grateful and humbled by your kind words. It’s been a privilege sharing this with you over the years, and seeing you share it with others. No matter how much distance lies between us, we’ll always have this connection, and some day we will sit in a coffee shop and catch up over a warm mug.
Wonderful and nicely put together. Thanks for sharing your encouraging thoughts and even welcoming non coffee drinkers like me to the coffee house 😀. Great work here my friend…keep writing, Many more will find you and be uplifted.
Thank you, Tolu. Coffee is a great accompaniment, but the tie that binds us travelers is far deeper. Welcome!