Finding Our Way

 

Amid the brain fog, uncertainty, tectonic shifts of the ground beneath us – as well as the soil within us – we long for stability and solid surface we can stand.  When the whirlwind of the world within and around us feels too much, we long for something we can hold onto or even cling to.  I remember one time I was at an amusement and ended up going on a ride called, “Ship Wreck.”  To be clear, that didn’t exactly sound like the sort of event or experience I wanted to have happen in my life.  My mind was saying, “Um, Wes, perhaps it would be best if you do not do this.”  But there is this thing called, “peer pressure”.  And so, I ended up not only in the line but on the ride because my friends said, “It is just like a big swing.”  Only, it was not.  I really wanted to get off that ride.  And when I did my head was swirling, my stomach churning.  Did you know that they have a medical department at amusement parks with a cot?  I spent some quality time in one after that particular ride.  Good times.

So, what do we do when this heart breaking and soul aching reality is repeated and replayed in our lives?  I have been playing around with the idea of a spiritual compass.  Words that can guide, ground, support and sustain you as you try to decide the next right step.  I see one of those words at each of the points of a compass – North, South, East, and West.  North is a word that guides you.  South is a word that grounds you.  East is a word that supports you.  West is a word that sustains you.  I invite you to do prayerfully ponder this today.  You may want to use the words from Epiphany a few weeks ago:

Kindness                                           Compassion                                       Love

Openness                                          Understanding                                   Laughter

Discipleship                                      Service                                              Depth

Prayerfulness                                     Playfulness                                        Praise

Gentleness                                         Acceptance                                        Imagination

Friendship                                         Contentment                                      Creativity

Courage                                            Confidence                                        Clarity

Strength                                            Thoughtfulness                                  Patience

Forgiveness                                       Tenderness                                        Enthusiasm

Sharing                                             Healing                                              Rejoicing

Justice                                               Mercy                                                Humility

Wisdom                                            Wholeness                                         Wonder

Curiosity                                           Graciousness                                     Flexibility

Generosity                                         Steadfastness                                     Serenity

Humor                                              Vision                                               Thankfulness

Or select your own word for each direction.  I pray that this exercise awakens your soul, sings to your heart, and gives you a place to be/breathe in these days.  May God’s love enfold and hold you today.  Amen.