Last week I had the joy of spending time with long-time and brand-new friends in Saskatchewan. Although the main purpose in my being there was to take part in a writers' conference, there were other "treats" that were part of the adventure: meals out with friends, a visit to Toastmasters, attendance at a classical music concert and my first electoral rally. Then, as if that wasn't enough, friends from a farm southwest of the city drove in and took me back to spend time in the community we once called home. Leaving and returning to the airport on Vancouver Island were adventures in themselves, what with a wild snow storm in Calgary and on my return, aircraft problems that resulted in my missing the last ferry home. It was great - got to stay with friends for an extra night.
A lot of unplanned things can happen on journeys: sightings of wild life, making new friends, tasting unfamiliar food and discovering unexplored territory. Of course there also are the unwelcome twists in the path such as blown tires or engines, rotten weather or medical emergencies, just to name a few. The point is that each trip, and every day, is a unique adventure.
Consider the journey of two men from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus. To put it mildly, they were "down in the dumps" as they plodded along. Not only were their hopes of a political redeemer dashed with the death of Jesus, their growing trust in Him as the Messiah now seemed misplaced. Then, in the middle of their conversation, Jesus shows upexcept they didn't recognize Him. Mercifully He revealed Himself to them.
I've walked that Emmaus road a few times myself (you, too?). Tired and discouraged we may not see Himbut He's there.
"Open my eyes, Lord. I want to see Jesus."
