I got lost this weekend. Me and three fifth graders, my “Arrow of Light” boys that I’ve had the opportunity to watch grow up in Cub Scouts the last several years. We were on a hike and having a great time, and it wasn’t too long before we all realized we were somewhere we hadn’t been before, and that we didn’t quite know how to get back to where we came from.
We wandered. We explored. We listened to high powered electric lines crackle. We measured paw prints. We jumped over creeks. We tried paths we thought might take us home. And then, eventually, we started back. Or at least we tried. No cell service means no Google Maps, which means no visual to find the direction we should head. We’re surrounded by roads I know, so it’s no biggie, but yeah, it would be nice to get back. We have a compass, but without a destination, the best it’s going to do is guide us to a road we can then follow back to camp… the long way.
Eventually we get some signal, find our campground, and chart our course home. 150 degrees. That’s the path. Down a steep hill, up another, and around a pond. Follow the sun, because it’s a true guide as well. Finally, we here sounds of laughter, see a clearing, and then we see the tents. We’re back.
Such is life, isn’t it? It’s easy to go crazy when we feel lost, when we’re navigating life without a destination. But throw in a few boundaries to keep us safe, a visual of that goal, and a compass to guide you home, and we can do it. We can make it home, and, possibly just as important, WE CAN ENJOY THE JOURNEY THERE.
I guess this is part of the reason why this was my favorite part of the camping trip. Hearing my son say it was his favorite part only makes it better. There’s lessons here… time to learn them, drive them home, and live them out at home, work, and everywhere else I go.
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” John 14:27