The path of life

In our lectionary readings for Sunday, David praises God for disclosing to him “the path of life” where he encounters God's presence wherein “there is fullness of joy...pleasures forevermore.” I love paths.  I am grateful for many fond memories of intimate forests, expansive vistas, meandering dialogue with friends along the way, surprises around the corner that nature grants such us wildflowers, birds, insects, deer, and other creatures.  

But paths are not always so agreeable.  I can also recall inclimate weather, arguments, stings and bites, steep climbs, hunger and thirst, and being lost.

On Sunday, we'll actually be exploring St. Paul’s description of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, but they apparently come to those who are on a journey and “walk by the Spirit.”  What do we do when we find that the “path of life” seems like it’s taking us through the wilderness rather than through the flower garden?  How do we “keep in step with the Spirit” as Paul encourages us to do?

Those of you who’ve read or seen Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings will know that even though it is hard to stay on the path, we are never alone on the journey, and that makes all the difference.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

Still ’round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.—Bilbo Baggins