Since Jim's passing, Lois has been continuing to write excellent reflections on this journey along with breath prayers. She has consented to allow us to share some with you. Lois is also the core author of one of our newest workbooks: Your Pathways: Strong Connection with God.
Breath Prayer: SOAR
Lois Hoogeveen
August 12, 2012
I like to travel. I have had the privilege of traveling to
destinations throughout the world, entering 46 of the 50 United States as well
as 10 other countries. Preparation and anticipation are important aspects of
any trip. My husband was great at planning all the transportation and lodging
details. The first step was, of course, deciding where we wanted to go and what
days we wanted to be there. Choosing the best mode of transportation to get
there came next. If going by car, he studied maps to explore different routes,
factoring in whether we wanted the fastest road or the most scenic one or if we
wanted to go one way and come back on a different road. If flying, he
diligently looked for the most convenient and least expensive connections from
our home to our destination.
Packing is always a challenge for me, even after decades of
traveling for work and pleasure. What will I need? What might I want
to have? How much can I squeeze into my suitcase? What am I willing to leave
behind? This challenge is greatest when I am flying. Can I take only a carry-on
or do I do I need to check in a larger bag? Are my liquids in small containers
and properly bagged to make it through security? When I fly, I go to the
airport, boarding pass in a safe accessible spot, check in, go through security
and board a plane confident that the itinerary is correct, that the pilot knows
how to fly the plane and that I am on the plane that will get me to the
designated airport. Seldom do I see the pilot, yet I trust him. I do not
understand the mechanics of the plane, but I believe it will lift me off the
ground, carry me for hundreds of miles in the air and then bring me back down
in another city, state or country. Sometimes weather or mechanical problems
mess with my plans, resulting in missed flights, the hassle of rebooking on
another flight, finding a different gate and then waiting. Revised itineraries
take extra time and extreme patience.
When I traveled for work, I was frequently greeted in the
baggage claim area by someone whom I had never met before and then proceeded to
get in a vehicle with him or her. I seldom had doubts that the driver was
a safe person to be with, knew where he or she was going and would provide
trustworthy transportation for me. Often my destination was a place where I had
not been before and so the scenery was new and unfamiliar. I enjoyed the
experience and opportunity travel offered me. However, as much as I like to
travel, I also know that when the trip nears the end, I am usually tired and
ready to return to the security and safety of my own home.
My husband and I had our life travel plans mapped out for
approximately the next ten years, trips that would take us to places we wanted
to see and things we wanted to do before we went to our Final Destination. We
were excited about opportunities and adventures that were ahead. Until Cancer
moved in like a mighty storm and messed up our plans. My husband was escorted
into Heaven, but I was left behind to continue traveling on earth without him.
I lost my travelling companion. Although it feels like everything has changed,
I know that is not true. Heaven is still my destination. The cross is still my
boarding pass. God is still my Travel Agent. He planned the itinerary of my
journey before I was even born. All the days ordained for me were written in
your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:16) And I know He has
purchased a one-way ticket for me.
Although I cannot see my Pilot, I have faith that He knows
what He is doing. Right now I feel safest sitting on the tarmac and I am not
sure I even want to take off. Adjusting to the changes on my revised itinerary
takes time and patience. Yet I believe that my Travel Agent has a plan to help
me again find joy on the journey. I think He will show me new places as well as
bring me back to familiar places and help me see them from a new
perspective. I am trying to not weigh myself down with too much baggage
because I know that will only make me tired. The question is What am I
willing to leave behind?
SOAR Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will
not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives
strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow
tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run
and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31
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