Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage

Donning my pack,

I set out into

The silver mist.

I don't know where the road will lead,

But this aching in my soul

Urges me on.

I will journey untold miles,

Through storms, meadows, and heartbreak,

Until I pass through the gilded door

And His Voice welcomes me Home.

Story behind the poem: I wrote a draft of this poem in the summer, but didn't feel like it conveyed its message in the way I wanted it to. A couple of weeks ago, I rewrote it. Although it still isn't perfect, I hope it's more effective now.

Life is definitely a journey - and a formidable one, at that. So is faith. Often when I feel ready to call it quits, I recall Peter's words in John 6:68: "Lord, to whom would we go?" (NLT). Remembering that God is the only source of true Peace and Life - and that He won't fail me - is a truth that has gotten me through countless dark days and restless nights.

This passage of Scripture kept coming to mind as I wrote "Pilgrimage". The chapter that it comes from chronicles the lives of Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and others who held fast to God's Promises even in the midst of difficulty.

"Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them."

Hebrews 11:13-16 (The Message Bible)

In a sense, everyone is a nomad. Everyone knows what it's like to feel lost, out of place, or in search of some sense of fulfillment they can't quite lay their finger on. Those of us who are children of God might experience many of these feelings, too. However, we're not really nomads anymore - we're pilgrims. Unlike other people, we know where we're headed. Though the road might feel long and treacherous at times, Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way, and a brightly-light Home awaits us at the end of our travels.

There's so much more I could write about this, but one last thing I want to highlight is that our humble existences on earth aren't insignificant. They bring glory to God, and point others toward Jesus and the path Home.

I know this isn't the easiest subject to dwell on. However, I hope some of this encourages you. Have a wonderful week, friends! :)