Journeys

It's another one of those days...where sometimes time seems to stand still. The slow twitch of branches on trees; a faint breeze stirring dried leaves...it's a contemplative day. For some reason I find the flight of birds to be one of the most artistic expressions on earth. The way they glide and swoop through the air; there's something moving about it. I've been sitting here for awhile now; staring out at the birch tree outside my window. I've been thinking about why so many Christians seem out of touch with the world and what's really going on with people. I think it's cause we've forgotten the beauty and importance of the journey. Our focus drifts towards bringing the people around from point A (unsaved) to point B (saved) and we ignore everything else in between. I think all that stuff in between is so important, it's the unique journey in life that everyone has. Once we start caring about that journey I think is when people change. Everyone wants someone to care. We all desperately want to feel cared about; like we aren't just one more spec on the earth.

I was watching a video on the I Am Second website and it was an interview with the old lead singer from Korn. I was amazed at his story of going from point A to point B. It was all those things in between that I think has the power to change the people around him. On this site there are so many different people with each their own unique story, their own journey. It's amazing to see how God works in people's lives in a unique way.

I've been reading "This Beautiful Mess" by Rick McKinley and he writes "Every person, no matter how battered by life, is created in the image of God. Their stories aren't just details that we have to push through so we can get them into the salvation chamber and out the other side in acceptable shape. Their journey itself is sacred." I love this idea of embracing people and their story and seeing their journey through life as something sacred. I love hearing people's stories; the way that tragedies and blessings have changed the course of their lives forever. The way that this messed up world impacts each person in a different way. I hope I can start to look at everyone around as not just another person but more as someone who has a story. Maybe if we're all more like this we won't be looked at as fake but more as the ones who really care. The people who when you're hurting and lost you can go to, to be accepted. A great community of hurting and messed up people going through life together clinging to a Savior. I think this kind of community is irresistible. A place where we don't get caught up in being right or wrong; or being better than each other. But rather a place where we can have faith like a child. Where we throw away everything and simply believe; where we go through life sharing our journeys.