A couple weeks ago, four friends stood outside the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels near Assisi in Umbria, Italy. We had just finished a Mediterranean cruise and now we’re standing near a small chapel built in 801AD where Francis of Assisi started his spiritual pilgrimage with Christ. As we pondered his life, it seemed appropriate to ask each other about our own spiritual DNA and journeys, especially since we were all in our 70s and 80s.
We are all created by God, our Father (Eph 3:8-21, Ps 139:1-14) with some mystical, biological connection to Him. It’s coded in something like some physical or spiritual DNA, a bit like the salmon.
We grow, learn, mature (“live, move, and have our being” Acts 17:28) and enjoy the shallow, clear waters of our birth. Then, in some fashion, we begin to explore and make our way down descending, widening, rivers of choice and new experiences, until at last we reach the sea—the ocean of seemingly endless size and possibilities filled with more choices and new experiences. There we spend most of our lives, amidst all kinds of creatures and sights—many creatures like ourselves, and many who are not.
We eat, we swim, we reproduce, we look around, we explore—sometimes the depths and darkness, sometimes up near the surface and light.
We wonder, “What could be above the surface, the boundary fixed for our existence?” In our present biological form, we can jump above it a short distance, splash, and play. But we can’t live there, or see much beyond.
Then there comes a time something draws us toward the waters where we were born and given life. We start making our way along with many others like us, from the ocean of love and choice and experience to the very river from where we came. We know not how? We know not why? But the ability has been given to us at the mysterious and mystical beginning of our journey to finish our journey with some purpose, perhaps, for our lives and existence.
The mystery of how we find our way back home to our Father to the place we began is as strong as the force of the descending currents flowing against us. Indeed, at the end of our journey, the currents are steep and swift, between shallow, vulnerable resting pools of fresh, clear water.
We continue until we are there, or perish in the trying. Mystery, marvelous mystery is the birth, the journey, and the return. The Preacher has called it vanity—a shadow, like vapor or mist. He has also called it, “Eternity in [our] hearts.” He said it is a beautiful period of time—a time for everything, with everything beautiful in it’s time” (Eccl 3:1-11).
What is the purpose of our journey? It might be to enjoy the gift of life and the gift of choice, and hopefully come to know the Giver—the biggest prize of all! (Col 1:27, Gen 15:1, Phil 3:10).
There are millions of paths in the ocean, with much to hear, see, taste, touch, and feel. But in our heart of hearts, we sense there is more, and that it is real (Eccl 3:11).
I end with a prayer that we find our way. Back to the place we were born, where we’ll die, then stay with the One who gave us life, light, choice, and experiences galore. If we know Him, He will take us above the surface to some celestial shore. There we’ll continue to explore in the presence of this good Father and Creator forevermore.
The End
[I Cor 2:9, Job 19:25-27, 2 Tim 1:12, 1 Tim 1:17]
Wayne and Jackie, I should’ve gotten your contact information. I enjoyed your company very much, getting to know you a bit, and would love to spend eternity with you. It’s my prayer you’ll stumble onto this blog and it will prove meaningful or guiding to you in some small way on your journeys. Wayne, I think it no coincidence that I am reading “Mere Christianity,” a Christian classic by C. S. Lewis for the first time. He’s philosophical, not religious, and intellectual. I think it would speak volumes to a guy like you! I would also recommend a book I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed by Eric Metaxas, “Is Atheism Dead?” Jackie, you are beautiful within and without, with a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4), easy to be with, and a joy to be with. I believe you are also a truth seeker. I pray you find truth, peace, and rest.:):) Shalom.
