Unswerving, An Intentional Journey

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Teen wilderness canoe trip day 2.

Nine of us woke up before daylight, ate an instant breakfast, packed up our camp and began the longest day of any wilderness trip I have ever led. It was a day representing life. Mostly great mixed with pain tainted moments. Every teen ended up crying at some point before we set up camp in the dark. We crossed through two large bays into a fast-flowing river. By noon we had found a rocky island in the little river. A beautiful little place to stretch and eat something. We didn’t know this was a potentially deadly place. How could we?

I remember three things. Lunch was really good and the pop-up storm that hit without warning was really harsh. It was such a nice day that most of us had their raingear packed on the bottom of our huge packs. Lightening was continuous and close. I encouraged everyone to stand on a rock under small trees and not touch a tree or the roots. I was talking with two teens and then one just disappeared in the wicked storm. Evidently, he was standing in a puddle of water when lightning struck a tree about 50 yards away. We found him on the ground with no ability to speak or move in the harsh rain. Gradually his neurons and muscles started working. He seemed fine and we were able to move on. 9 miles later we found a campsite in the dark. “Grateful” was no longer a surface word for any of us that night. We didn’t know there would be a harder day ahead. How could we?

In life we swerve. Constantly reacting or making adjustments to the weather and seasons, we navigate life as a canoeist navigates a winding wilderness river. Deadheads, sandbars, rocks, rapids, sink holes, log jams and a host of unseen dangers blend with the beauty while the currents push us around the next corner.

After 60 years I look back and vividly remember when I paddled my life’s canoe off the big river through a narrow opening between some big rocks with a little sign at the entrance “Follow Me”… Jesus. It wasn’t to be an easier river, but I chose to follow the only qualified life guide. A good guide. “Grateful” is an even deeper word now.

I know something about swerving. I have an aversion to obstacles in life while my canoe seems to seek the unseen and unavoidable things. I also know something about studying the river ahead with a diligent eye, at least until I get distracted or get lulled into complacency. I have a lot of experience dumping the canoe, patching another hole, getting back in and shoving off into the current. I know I know…It’s my life, my canoe and like you I didn’t choose the river.

One paddler to another, this is what works for me.

I sit down for breakfast with some coffee and open up my Bible to where I left off yesterday. I usually see a word, phrase, concept, story or just some encouragement for direction for the day or for the season in life. God knows what I need. I have come to know the living Word of Life in the scripture as well as the Person of God in presence each morning. I have come to realize that each morning I pack up camp, get in my canoe and paddle more of my river stretch of life. The spiritual journey has become one with my physical journey and I have a guide.

I am a follower of Jesus and He has led me deep into the wilderness. My canoe has many wrecks and patches. Each day requires trust and my friend Jesus has the map.

I know of many who seem content to make camp and never go further down the river spiritually. Some of my friends stand on their last wreck and demand that God apologize and explain why he does not remove the rocks we wreck upon in life.

It is my prayer that at the end of life (our last inevitable crash on the river) we will have a ton of stories to tell forever. Getting to where I want to be forever is an intentional journey. Jesus not only has the map, He made the map.

Each day we packed up camp, checked our canoe for any patching needed, spent some time with Jesus, put on our life jackets, lashed the gear into place and shoved off. Yes, do swerve around the potential wrecks if possible but above all be unswerving in your walk and trust in the ultimate guide. Jesus Christ, our guide, the only one who has been there before on our behalf.

Gary