The Road Of The Unexpected

I often think of myself as a traveler on a road. I am walking this road, not driving it. It is a road I have been on before, but left it. I remember when I returned to the journey and when the realization came to me that this road I am on is not part of my home, but rather it is one that leads to my home. That thought brought both comfort and also a little fear~ comfort in knowing that the home I travel toward is heaven, but some fear in what I will come up against that may throw me off course, and will I be ready when my Lord and God calls me to that home?
God has given me a map in His own example and in 2000 years of Salvation History. He has also given me the gift of faith, that realization of all that is hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. As I travel this road, I can look back to all those who accepted the gift of faith. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac~ all of whom knew that God had a plan and was faithful to His promises, but just how and when those plans would be carried out remained a mystery. Their faith helped them to expect and accept the unexpected in their lives.
I sometimes find myself asking Jesus a question similar to the one Peter asked about the parable of the servant waiting for his master's return. "Lord, I read these parables you taught with so long ago, are they really also meant for me?" And always I hear His gentle yet firm, "Yes, my daughter they are meant for you as well."
So I continue on this road, knowing where it will lead but not knowing what will happen along the way or how or when the journey will end. I just know that my Master waits at the end and He will want to know if I have readied myself for what He has promised. Knowing this much is all I really need to know; anymore than this may become burdensome as I travel toward my own passover. I have the moneybag that will never wear out and that nothing can destroy, and in it all I need to carry is my faith, and the history and example of those who have gone before.
My heart lies with my Master, for He is where my treasure lies.


My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following Your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that, if I do this, You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.
~Thomas Merton