If you looked at a map, and if there were prairie-style gridded roads crisscrossing British Columbia, you could see that Dutch Harbour on Kootenay Lake should be less than an hour’s drive from where we live.
But there are mountains in the way.
The drive actually takes several hours on a winding road favoured by motorcyclists, pokey trailer units and a few intimidated RV drivers from Manitoba looking for a place to turn around.
I wish it were closer. I love this place -the wind in the tall trees, the sound of the loons, the freshness of the cedar-scented air rushing down with the creek to the lake, the fish jumping in the early morning reflections of the glacier on the lake, the song my paddle sings…
I really shouldn’t complain, I know. In my grandparents’ day the trip could have taken weeks and would have provided enough raw material for the story-tellers to go on for months. Still, sometimes I wish I could just fly over these mountains, as beautiful as they are.
I hear promises spoken about the future, and they are wonderful, but sometimes the journey seems so counter-intuitive and there are so many things in the way. The road seems to take such a circuitous route that I wonder if I heard right. Like my grandchildren I want want to ask, “Are we there yet? Where is this place?”
I just want to get there, you know.
Today the old song, “Love Lift Us Up,” played in my head. I stopped to pay attention. When we spend time in God’s presence He is the one who lifts us up, who restores our youth like the eagle, who teaches us to soar over earth-bound things. Hope is vision-led endurance. Without a vision the people perish. With it they keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Lord, show us your glory. Father, lift us up.
Love Lift Us Up
Who knows what tomorrow brings
In a world few hearts survive
All I know is the way I feel
When it’s real, I keep it alive
The road is long
There are mountains in our way
But we climb a step every day
Love lift us up where we belong
Where the eagles cry
On a mountain high
Love lift us up where we belong
Far from the world below
Up where the clear winds blow…
-Will Jennings, Jack Nitzsche, & Buffy Stainte-Marie
Charis: Subject to Change 
Sister, I know what you are saying about just wanting to “get there.” I have felt the same way so often myself. But one day I was meditating on Jesus’ words, “I am the Way, the truth, and the life…” And He spoke to my heart that if I am walking in the Way, I am already, in a sense, at the destination. It was and still is a precious revelation.
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Good insight, Allan. Thank you.
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WOW, this is good, Sis–and so is Mr Halton’s comment. Though I’m not sure how often I’ve asked, “are we there yet?” I’m sure I often say, “Where IS this place?!” (with plenty of frustration, fatigue and impatience…). God bless you BIG–love, sis Caddo
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I really needed Mr. Halton’s reminder. What a great guy. I’m a “feeler” with semi-permeable membranes for boundaries. I tend to pick up other people’s emotions. I’ve heard so many heart-rending stories this week, whilst being in the hospital with my dear friend (whose condition is improving) and from prayer requests sent from other folks, and from my own grandchild being ill, that I was starting to stagger under the weight. I need to be constantly reminded that God is God and I am not. We present our prayers and petitions before Him with thanksgiving and let Him carry the bulk of the weight. Partnering with Him is knowing his yoke is easy and His burden is light. When it gets too heavy we are taking on too much and trying to look after God. Doesn’t work that way. As the Skit Guys remind us, God says, “I – hold – you – up.”
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You’re a very wise woman, and I sure benefit from your words. I’ve been continuing my prayers for you–for some reason, it seems like there are extra family burdens during the holidays, family including friends. Like you, I’m a “feeler”–it’s good, except when it’s painful; but after 61 yrs I can honestly say I’d rather be me, than folks I’ve known who seem made of stone. Being a feeler has driven me closer to God, especially in the last couple years. He’s there all the time, but He’s quick to “hug us up” close when times are tough. By the way, I meant to tell you that the song you featured is so much better in the context of your post, than in that “popular” movie–I didn’t like the song till today, so thank you!
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You’re right that there are advantages and disadvantages to being a feeler. I don’t like the painful stuff either, but shutting out the pain also tends to shut out the joy -and the “hugs.” And the hugs are wonderful. I’ve also learned to appreciate people who are solid logical, non-emotive, thinking-types. Many do not choose to be thinkers any more than I chose to be a feeler -no judgment. We may frustrate each other sometimes, but their ability to engineer things comes in handy. Without them we would still be corresponding by snail mail.
I didn’t like the song as much in the movie either, but perhaps it’s old enough to gain some independence.
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I. too, get so impatient to ‘be’ somewhere. *sigh* Remembering that there is joy in the journey is a daily challenge!
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Right. You are good to remind me of what is important. It’s not so much where you are going as Who you are going with. As Mr. Halton said, “if I am walking in the Way, I am already, in a sense, at the destination.”
You bless me, Melody. Thanks.
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And you me! 🙂
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