I love taking road trips and the more spontaneous the better. As long as my husband and I have a full tank of gas, our phones and iPad, coffee, and a blanket for me, we are good to go. With such amenities we can text, Facebook, watch movies, use our GPS features, listen to music, read or game. The world is at our fingertips if we want it to be.
During the last seven weeks we have taken a look at various pathways people choose in their pursuit of God.
If you are like me, I have walked more than one pathway throughout my life with varying results. Some paths I may not again take. Others I’ll walk weekly, if not daily.
The concept was developed by writer Gary Thomas in his book, “Sacred Pathways: Discover Your Soul’s Path to God.”
Years ago, when I was a recent college graduate and enjoying my first job as a publicist for a trade bookseller, I met a young man named Steve Kemperman. He had written a book called Lord of the Second Advent, in which he recounted the gradual processes used to entice and “groom” him into joining the Reunification Church, more commonly known as the “Moonies.” I was tasked to creating a nationwide promotional tour to promote his new book. My work included lining up media interviews, book signings and the like.
Last October my husband and I spent 10 days in France. It was a remarkable trip for us as we had saved airline miles for years and happily redeemed those miles for free stays at hotels, rental car expenses and airfare.
We worked hard to make our trip happen and we were not disappointed for many reasons.
Our first joy was learning that we are compatible travelers.
My summer reading list has included a book titled, “Sacred Pathways,” written by Pacific Northwest native and pastor Gary Thomas. He opens by asking three very useful questions:
How do we learn to love God through the lessons of life?
How do we keep this love fresh?
How do we grow in our love and understanding of God?
One of my all-time favorite books is Sarah Ban Breathnach’s mega-bestseller, “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy.” I’ve been reading it since 1997 and I eagerly open it when some additional joy is needed in my life.
Breathnach’s 12 monthly plans do just that. August, Breathnach says, is a time to refill our creative energies. Acknowledging and honoring our authentic gifts is not only a personal joy but a responsibility, for our own creativeness can help to transform the lives of those we love. Reading, she suggests, is a great way to refill, especially on a hot day when sitting in the shade with a cold drink.
As I sat in my car this week watching a flagger stop a line of cars so the needed road construction could progress, I truly understood how tough their job is. That’s because for one summer I, too, was a flagger. The lessons I learned, there on the side of the road, have stayed with me all these years.
For you to fully understand the impact of my roadside experiences, I must provide some background information about myself. During my childhood, I was regularly reminded how happy my parents were that I was born. I was protected and cherished. I was also expected to live with courage and honor, to work hard and be helpful to the people in my life.
If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask Him, and He will gladly tell you, for He is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask.
– James 1:5, The Living Bible
In August of 1912, more than 150,000 British citizens passed by the casket of William Booth. Those who attended his memorial service numbered 40,000 — including then Queen Mary. Born into obscurity and spending his entire adult life serving those challenged by mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse, and the complexity of issues stemming from poverty, William Booth died a man greatly respected for his faith, putting his faith in action, and undying dedication.
I have a number of what I call my “go-to” books. I group these books on one shelf in my office and regularly venture their direction when I want to be inspired. Or comforted. Or reminded of a lesson I keep forgetting.
This week, while giving thought to my column, I brewed my favorite cup of tea — Tazo’s Wild Sweet Orange with a dribble of honey — and headed for one of my all-time favorites.
Like so many Whidbey Islanders, I’ve consulted the Weather Channel app on my smartphone numerous times this week and gazed longingly outside. My desire is so simple: I want to work in our garden. I want to see those darling bunnies, hopping about our raised beds and nipping off the tops of our green bean starts, stopped in their tracks by the bunny fence my husband and I are building.
One of my favorite birds is the black-capped Chickadee. This small, North American songbird is easily identified by its black cap and bib, with white sides to the face. Its underparts are white with rusty brown on the flanks. Its back is gray and its tail is usually slate-gray. The males and females look much the same and vary in size only slightly. It is notable for its capacity to lower its body temperature during cold winter nights, its good spatial memory to relocate the caches where it stores food, and its boldness near humans (they can feed from the hand).
I like simple things, like slathering homemade bread with butter moments after it has been pulled out of the oven.
I also like stirring a pot of sourdough starter.
While others may see a creamy yellow, bubbling concoction with a distinctive smell, I imagine pancakes and bread. I anticipate quiet conversations, pleasure, and heavenly life lessons.
