This week I’ve traveled from Nashville to Myrtle Beach to be with my son-in-law, daughter and family at the youth summer camp he co-directs. Though I was driving the 600 miles alone, the last couple of hours I asked myself several times, “Are we there yet?”
I left Nashville much later than I intended for the first leg of the trip. When I stopped for gas at a near deserted station close to midnight, my imagination had me believing I was being followed up the winding mountain pass, and I felt the unreasonable fear clawing at my throat. Then a huge orange full moon slipped out of the fog, and my breathing calmed. What a gift!
The next day my Mapquest directions were different from those Siri offered, and the confusion resulted in an extra half hour of stop and go traffic as I headed toward the ocean. I had wanted the convenience of “talking” directions, but when Siri steered me wrong the second time, I pulled out the crumpled paper again. The last hundred miles felt like forever.
On the positive side, my phone rang often during the trip and I’d hear a pause when I answered, then a soft 4-year old voice asking, “Are you almost here, GrandMarnie?” I’d smile every time to know someone was longing for me to arrive.
SeeSalt youth camp offers original dramas for the main evening worship activity, and every year has a different theme. This year’s theme is the “Whylderness” and the setting is a group of hikers on the Appalachian trail who are wrestling In different ways with the “why” of being on the trail in the wilderness.
I expect all of us can relate. The winding path, steep hills and deeper valleys, fear of the unknown or real or perceived danger, the wilderness is part of life’s journey. It’s normal to trip over the “whys” about this path, but the most important thing is to keep walking.
Occasionally a breathtaking moon will break through your fog. And always there is a Presence who is calling your name.
“Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your god I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand ” Isaiah 41:10
Marnie C. Ferree