Even though it seems that I am on the journey alone other than Christ, I will proceed. Mostly for my own good and growth, but perhaps someone else may find this and join in the conversation.
This Thanksgiving was especially tough for me. I have not experienced this before regarding family and gathering oriented celebrations. But, I went for a walk with my dog, Machaira, and my youngest daughter, Cory, on one of the local mountain trails, and it was good to be on the trail again and to visit face to face with her. She is so busy with school and kids that, though we talk and text, it’s mostly matter of fact and to the point.
During the discussions on many topics, I came to a conclusion that my real problem was due to a kick in the ego I sustained from some photos that were sent to me after a concert. That the photos showed just how much I have aged in the last four years was startling to me. That fact of aging and just how startled I was hammered at me since receiving them because it made apparent how much of my life has wasted spending time and effort on people and goals that left me feeling unaccomplished and insignificant.
The search for significance is a part of life and, sadly, we are often left to our own devices as to what is significance and where it is found. Because this search for significance is a personal journey, as is the journey through The Forgotten Way book, it may be tough for me to put it all down here, or for someone else to take up what is her and use it. But, I will endeavor to do so, and hope and pray that although this may come together slowly, it will come together. Maybe slowly is the best way to proceed.
The Five Seals in The Forgotten Way book are;
THE TRUTH
1. God Is Infinite
2. I Am The Light Of The World
THE WAY
3. Seeing The Light In The Darkness Is My Journey
4. Surrender IS the Means to Seeing the Light
THE LIFE
5. True Love Is the Evidence of Being In the Light
I’ve read The Forgotten Way for the second time and each time I see something new. It’s as though puzzle pieces are coming together, allowing me to see more and apply more. This is the same as reading scripture, which The Forgotten Way is based on. Each time I read a book in the Bible, a new realization or application is there. That is because I am growing and learning, layer by layer, step by step, and this will continue to the end of my days and into eternity.
Each person’s journey is the same, each person starting from their own jumping off point. I say jumping off because we are leaving behind what the world tells us makes us important and significant, and heading into what the Lord tells us is important and significant.
This should be easy for someone like me, who from the beginning was different. The youngest of six children, two of my siblings were enough older than me to be out of the household by the time I was of the age to remember much about them. I was a different child, spending a lot of time alone with crafts, music, art and writing. It was my preferred place to be. I did love the outdoors and spent many hours walking the local woods and creeks, mostly alone.
My family went to church and I remember loving to go, especially standing next to my father and listening to him sing. But, church was left at church. At home there was no further teaching or guidance. I do remember pouring over my mother’s editions of Guidebook, The Upper Room, and some hardcover books she had on Jesus and Easter. There, it all stopped.
In the Forgotten Way, Ted Dekker talks about Yeshua’s Way being the way of super heroes. If we were ever taught that we can fly, we have forgotten that fact, and having forgotten we can no longer fly. This book, is the tap on the shoulder reminding us we can fly.
I intend to fly. I intend to truly love, because in there is no fear in love. True love.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2
It takes staying on the path, staying in the game. Focus and dedication. There are promises kept along the way, and I want to grow and be useful, be of value, of significance. It’s about change, changing my mind and changing my knowledge. I am still here, so there is purpose. I know with God’s guidance, my eyes will be opened to His purpose for me and the gifts and talents he has given to me.