Reorientation

I went for a hike in the autumn brilliance today. As always, I started in a familiar place, well known, and a place of safety and certainty. I often wander about in the woods, allowing my feet to be guided by whatever claims my interest. These hikes are more about prayerfully basking in creation than about "exercise" or "aerobic activity". Periodically I stop to look about and ascertain my bearings so that I cam confident I will be able to return safely to home base. As I walked and wandered, I was moved by the similarity between this kind of hike and the way the children of light wander through the territory of time between Sabbath days.


Orientation

The week begins. Sabbath Day has ended. We step again upon whatever path of the world that we must tread. School, work, duties of all sorts face most of us the majority of the time. Yet, as we walk through time, we rely upon Christ to orient us again and again, providing the ability to be in the world....but not "of" it.

At this time of year many of us begin our school or work week before the sun rises. Depending upon our attitude and the nature of last night's rest we may begin with varying degrees of joy and enthusiasm. The way we begin also depends in large part upon any prejudice we have about the schedule before us. (It seems that before my feet hit the ground I am already in need of reorientation. Even though I pray before I fall asleep ... even though I pray whenever I awaken in the middle of the night... I must be intentional about establishing my orientation for the day.)

I seek to be centered and focused upon Christ as the essential determination for thoughts and actions, yet there are so many factors that distract me from the glowing center of Christ's abiding presence. What I deem as the responsibilities and obligations of daily life move into my awareness all too quickly. Sometimes without my conscious awareness, unfounded fear or anxiety stealth at the borders of heart and mind.

Re-orientation

I seek re-orientation so that God's intention and wisdom may be the lens through which I view the possiblities of every moment. Just as having my bearings as I wander through untrodden terrain in the woods enhances my confidence and courage, so a prayerful gaze at all of the happenings and people in the world helps me respond with greater effectiveness, greater confidence. Regardless of the situation, a more contented and loving response emerges, I'm sure, because God is inviting and empowering it from deep within.

This need for reorientation is always met as I pray. When day begins, I bask in Christ's presence, and the love unleashed through the son of God rises in my heart, even before the sun rises upon my day. To be sure, there are days when I may need to "reorient" many times.

Where are you in the course of your day as you read this? Perhaps your day is just beginning.... or maybe you are midstream through your waking hours. Or, perhaps you are at the end of your day's walk.... (have you returned safely to the loving arms of Christ?) I pray that you are re-orienting in these moments....centering upon Christ...so that all the rest of your steps will be guided with His confidence and certainty!