Lost in the Wilderness

Almost all of us have found ourselves lost in the wilderness at some point or another in our lives.

This week I learned that one of my dearest friends and mentors has entered one particular wilderness far too many of us are familiar with. It is unlike any other, for it eats out a hole in the center of our souls and takes years to as we finally claw our way back out of the pit in the desert in which we find ourselves, even if we do not realize it until months or years later. There is only one place I know of that is worse, heaven forbid anyone ever have to enter it.

For all of us who have lost the love of our life, there really is no way to explain it to those who have not. What I can say is be glad we cannot, for you do not want to know yet. But loving is worth the price.

And still, everyone has a desert, a wilderness sojourn to face. Many, in fact, throughout our lives. Which is part of the reason God gives us one another. People and faces that help and guide us along the way.

Sometimes we will be like the children of Jacob who grumble and gripe, whine and whimper – what is it? Complaining about every little thing happening even when things are good.

Other times we will understandably raise our voices in cries of are we done yet? when they are not.

And still other times we will have to hold on to Tolkien’s well known quote with white-knuckled grip, not all who wander are lost and pray that the roundabout path we seem to be following is the one God actually chose for us and not some rabbit trail to God-knows where.

But no matter where we find ourselves, even the valleys of the shadow of death that are strewn with rattling bones waiting for the Spirit to move… we are never, ever alone.

There is always a shoulder.

There is always a hand.

There is always an ear.

Because God’s body is all around us and walks with us wherever we go.