10.31.2008

Alyssa & the Guide

Alyssa has been on the road of life for quite some time. This journey has led her through many twists, turns, and smooth wanderings. When she started this journey, she expected a smooth and straight hike. Maybe a couple of hair pin curves or a hill or two, but nothing more. She wasn't the sportsman type. She couldn't handle loose gravel, tall hills, fog, and curves. But, to her surprise her guide had other plans. And as Alyssa looked back, her journey had been quite the adventure.

She's starting to like this path and is ready to start out again. But, as she takes her first step, her guide stops her in her tracks. He tells her to sit in the road and wait. So, she does. But after awhile she gets bored and impatient. She's ready to move on. But, again her guide says sit and wait. So, once again, she sits. Now she becomes antsy. If she sits much longer, she'll go insane. Maybe she's supposed to be looking for a new road. But, as she tries to explore other "options", Alyssa hears only one thing, "No". So, now she runs around trying to find the reason for this seeming inactivity. It grows late and fog rolls in. Great, now she can't see a thing! Does she sit? No, she paces. Back and forth, back and forth. All the while peering through the fog, hoping to see something...anything. The fog does not lift and the sun does not come out. Her pacing continues. When will she get out of this?

But, you see, that was the wrong question. For all the while her guide had been giving her directives. She heard his gentle leading, but chose to ignore it. Alyssa didn't want to hear what he had to say. Now, weary from her pointless activity, she stopped. Desperate for answers, she listened. Her patient guide stooped down and wiped the sweat from her brow. Then with a patient smile, he spoke:

"Alyssa, you do not realize it, but you are in a valley. The fog has rolled in. I kept you here so you could experience the fog. I knew it was coming. I knew the inactivity would drive you nuts. I knew it would be dark and you would become scared. But, I've traveled this path countless times, with countless sojourners. I know the trials ahead. You need this experience so you are prepared for what's ahead. I also have good experiences planned for you. Things you will enjoy. But, they're not ready. If you rush on to them now, you won't enjoy them. Instead of pacing and searching, why don't you sit and rest. What am I wanting you to learn? Find out. Even though it's dark and foggy, there are still many things for you to do and enjoy. Sitting doesn't have to mean inactivity. It's just a different kind of activity, an activity you've never experienced. Take this time to sit, learn, do, and eat. Why are you tiring yourself out by endlessly searching. When the fog lifts, I'll show you were to go. I am your guide, remember? Why not trust me and rest where you are at?"

“Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

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