Notes from the Journey....

I used to think of life in terms of a road trip, I guess.

I am a Christian...and for me, that means being committed to my faith. It means more than just Sundays and church - but actually living my faith daily. I suppose somewhere in my thinking was the idea that if I followed the roadmap (Biblical teaching), the bumps in the road wouldn't be too big and I'd even be able to anticipate the curves and bends. In the end - I'd happily arrive at my destination! In a simplistic way, I guess some of that is accurate .... and yet, I've found out that my view was much too simple.

What I've come to realize is that life is more accurately described by a wilderness expedition. Uncharted, unpredictable, rugged sometimes, beautiful too. At times, I am on a trail, at other times - no trail in sight! Certainly, no highways, nothing that resembles a system of marked roadways. The good news is that I'm not alone in the wilderness, that would be overwhelming! I have a Guide, Jesus Christ. Much of this journey is about learning to know who He really is, understanding who I am in His eyes, and learning to walk with Him as an intimate friend.

So far, I've discovered this: The Jesus I'm getting to know is not what many think of him - quiet, bland, probably humorless, pretty devoid of personality, a good person, but not much beyond that. I'm finding out that a better description is like the lion, Aslan, in the Chronicles of Narnia. Jesus is better described as wild and untamed, and completely good .... a true man of full personality and also God's own son!

I also am learning this: Jesus loves me! Truly loves me! More good news ... it's not just me - but you too! I guess I've known that all my life - but - its been in the last few years, while in the wilderness, that I've learned it is personal and individual. He knows me by name - he has since before the beginning of time! And he takes delight in me. As with any loving relationship - he wants to be with me, to converse, to share life! I'm learning to do the same...but it is a process! These are the notes I'm making along the journey.