“So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.”  Exodus 13:18

“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God.”  Romans 8:28  

The great American road trip:  the roundabout way enjoying scenic countryside, small town cafes, adventure, car snacks!  Construction delays, detours, breakdowns (of various sorts)!  “Aren’t we there yet?”  “He’s/she’s touching me!”  “Quit your whining!”  

It is said “Life is a journey, not a race”; “Slow down – smell the roses.”  There was a time I wanted to move on quickly … get a drivers License, move away from home and be independent, yes – turn 21.  There were goals and expectations.  Get a job, make money.  Buy a car, a house, travel.  A flush retirement fund that allows for more travel and self-interests.  My companion and I will grow old together (without aging!), live happily ever after.  

The roundabout way … first college loans to repay; need time to save up.  Decades of TGIF before retirement.  It’s true “Life has no guarantees” … wrong turns when we wish our position could “reconfigure”.  We want to “make that u-turn”.  We didn’t map out detours and struggles … finding that good job, working out relationships, outliving loved ones, aging.   

I wonder what those living “in the wilderness” expect.  Might they want a car and a house; a better life for their children?  Certainly not to wash up on beaches; to be fenced out – fenced in.  “Aren’t we there yet?”

During Lent, as we journey along with Jesus in the wilderness, we know Easter will follow.  Our one guarantee:  we will live happily ever after ….. if not here.  

“I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey; but courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side. And with all of the family you saved by your love, we'll sing to your dawn at the end of our journey.”  Amen                    (Les Petites Soeurs de Jesus and L’Arche Community)  

Verla Olson   

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