This summer on our annual canoe trip we traveled to the Northern Temagami region to gain access to Lady Evelyn Smoothwater Provincial Park. On the second day of our trip we paddled a total of 26 km; much of which on the Lady Evelyn River. Now the Lady Evelyn is not like the French River; straight and wide. The Lady Evelyn is winding and narrow. Kilometre after kilometre we paddled the serpentine route as our canoes glided past the endless marshes of rush grasses and wetland bushes. Occasionally we spied a beaver or muskrat. The bugs were thick in the air and soon we all had bites from the swarming deer and horse flies.
When looking at a map of the region, it was somewhat disheartening to see that if we had been able to travel as the 'crow flies' we would have had a trip of only three kilometres in the air compared to almost 16 on the river! Nevertheless, the river trip offered some unique opportunities - honing our 'drawing' and 'prying' paddle skills as we canoed through each turn, paddling through beautiful patches of water lilies, listening to kingfishers and relaxing into a slower pace.
I think our summer river paddle can be a metaphor for our lives. Looking back on the path we've taken in life, we are often amazed at how we've meandered, circled around and even retraced our steps. Why, we wonder, couldn't we have just traveled in a straight line to achieve a certain goal or end? Why didn't we see the more direct route? Why did we 'waste' so much time?
Our experiences of meandering remind me of the experience of the Israelites who, according to the biblical account in Exodus, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. No matter how slow you walk, getting from Egypt to Israel doesn't take 40 years!
Biblical scholars and theologians alike tell us that God guided the Israelites on this meandering route because God needed lots of time to shape a people who had been enslaved and oppressed into a people who would grow into their new identity as liberated children of God; a nation who would live in justice and peace, not only with one another, but with their neighbours near and far.
Looking back, of course, we can see the important life-lessons they learned in the wilderness - learning to trust in God to guide their steps and provide them with what was needed for each day, discerning what was fair and just, discovering the consequences of greed and idolatry and deepening their experience of God's abiding love for them.
Looking back on your life, are you able to perceive God's faithful presence with you even amid all the twists and turns? What were some of your life-lessons and 'aha' moments along the way? Will you continue to put your trust in God as you follow the meandering path that lies ahead?
In the Voices United hymnbook, Janet Cawley has written this prayer for the journey.
God of the Way,
you are the road we travel,
and the sign we follow;
you are bread for the journey,
and the wine of arrival.
Guide us as we follow in your way,
holding on to each other,
reaching out to your beloved world.
And when we stray,
seek us out and find us,
set our feet on the path again,
and lead us safely home.
In the name of Jesus, our Companion, we pray. Amen.
(Voices United 648)
Peace, Kathy Toivanen
