Ordinary Time

Pause

Life’s pathways are not always clearly marked. Trails wind into the wilderness and disappear, leaving no end in sight. And often you may wonder which way to go.

As you journey through life, there is One you can trust to be your guide—the One who has already walked the path for you and who walks beside you even now.

In these quiet moments, be still and listen for the One who is calling you home.

Listen

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.”

John 14:1–4

Think

As a child I went hunting and fishing with my dad on my grandparents’ ranch in Texas. We would walk out the back gate and soon be surrounded by mesquite trees, live oaks, and brush. There were no trails, and after crossing a few fences everything looked the same.

At this point my dad would stop and ask me, “Which direction is the house?” The first time this happened, fear crept over me with the sudden realization that without him I was lost. I knew I had to answer his question, so I picked a direction and pointed. My dad looked at me, smiled gently, and shook his head no. He hugged me, pointed the right way, and we walked on. His presence was so comforting when I was disoriented.

Jesus offers so much more than direction or even a destination. Jesus offers relationship and companionship, not just to provide us a home or show us how to get there, but to be with us on the journey and embrace us as we arrive.

Chad Senuta

Pray

Lord, you are my home and my guide. When I am feeling lost and afraid on the journey, help me to look to you. Amen.

Go

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

"Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" by Elisha A. Hoffman, 1887