midway through the journey

we have completed three sundays during lent, so we are midway through the journey.  one never knows what one will experience on this journey; paying attention helps.

on sunday, most of the pg&e power in merced was off, for the morning.  this made for an interesting worship time.  but just as we were praying, particularly for those whom power is a necessity and for those working to resolve the issue, the lights came back on.  really!  god truly works in mysterious ways.

i won't bore you with the fact that my pedometer needed a new battery AGAIN, but i did get in an extra walk yesterday!

the journey of life takes us through experiences we do not always fore-see, as well as invites us to pay attention to things that we do see in new and exciting ways.

for instance, i've been walking the same route for about half-a-year, and i've noticed people who move in and out; i get to know the dogs and cats in the neighborhood, and anticipate which houses will "bark" at me....i've tried walking VERY quietly on thursday and sunday mornings when i leave my house by 5:15....but, alas, dogs know.  but i don't seem to scare the cats as much these days!

but midway through the journey, i've become accustomed to an owl, small like the one found in the movie 'out of africa' that is a companion to meryl streep's character,  karen blixen.  this owl does not seem to nest high on a light-post, but in a hole on the ground, where i've seen rabbits, ground squirrels, and a fox find their homes.  i don't know a whole lot about owls, but they always seemed nocturnal to me, and somewhat vulnerable during daylight hours...to live on the ground seems like an invitation to trouble.

but then i remember jesus' life, and how, for the most part, he didn't run for cover every time someone disagreed with him, or even tried eliminate him from their community.  so i'm thinking, this must be a very brave owl.  it is beautiful as it takes flight, soaring seemingly effortlessly.  'free as a bird'.  i don't know what that is like.  but i wonder; it gives me something to think about while i walk.

i try not to think of the things i need to accomplish before this journey of lent is completed.  one cannot very easily say during this season, 'oh well; there's always tomorrow' because the days are ticking down.  the journey moves forward, with or without us.  so that old saying, 'never put off tomorrow what you can/need to do today' fits very well.

if you haven't started (whatever) yet, it isn't too late, although time is moving on and does not wait.  so, midway through this journey might be the time to reflect where you have been and where you are going in this time of your journey.  are you sticking with your goals?  have you made an impact on someone else's life?  what difference has someone made in you, and have you been able to share that appreciation with them or 'paid it forward'?!

midway through the journey . . . .  are you finding the depth in your spiritual life that you are seeking; if you are, awesome!  continue on your way!  if you are not, what changes in your life need to happen for your to find that deeper sacred place . . . . and when that answer comes to you, journey in that way.....