Tuesday, March 11th "Wandering into the Wilderness"

Breath Prayer: “Watching"     listening”     “for you”

Reflection

      It’s hard to imagine being led into the wilderness. I know that we find ourselves there sometimes, but being led seems cruel. It is scarce there, barren. It’s cold there, isolated. It’s lonely in the wilderness. The place that is far away from what has been routine, from what has been familiar.

      In the past when I have found myself in the wilderness of spirit, I have felt so lost. As I read of this wilderness time of Jesus reminds me of my own time when I have felt disoriented and so very much alone. I remember the times when I have lost my way. Those times when there was no comfortable position for my body.  I’d felt restless whether sitting or pacing. Stops and starts. My spirit was anxious and restless, without direction. It was the feeling of a compass spinning without a true north.

     But I know I can’t stay here, won't stay here. I know I am on a journey. My spirit longs for the One who will lead me on to what is ahead, what will bring life. So I find myself picking up yesterday’s map and I begin to make my way. Entering in I know there are some mile markers and if I pay attention, more will appear. This journey in and through is done by putting one foot in front of the other. Left foot, right foot, left and then right.  

Prayer: Leading God, guide my feet in the desert.  May this time of restlessness hone my listening for you.  Calm my anxiety when I don’t know what to do next, when I don’t know where to go next.  Remind this weary pilgrim of your promise of presence.  Hear my prayer to you this day in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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