A Journey Without Maps

"Faith is better understood as a verb than as a noun, as a process than as a possession. It is on-again-off-again rather than once-and-for-all. Faith is not being sure where you're going but going anyway. A journey without maps." - Frederick Buechner

Journey. I really love that word. It awakens something in me that I cannot explain. It seems so...infinite and inviting.

Infinite because it seems to capture the endless possibilities and lessons to be learned in this life. Also because as Christians we know that we are not Home yet, but we're ever on our way. Sometimes that way is treacherous. Sometimes it is wondrous. Most of the time it falls somewhere in between.

Inviting because it seems so...communal. The idea of journey seems to imply that there are others on the road with us. Oh sure, sometimes it seems as if we are all alone on our journey. Like we are being asked to walk this endless road by ourselves. We feel lonely, abandoned, and utterly isolated. But this is all an illusion. There is at least that Eternal Someone there beside us and often countless others surrounding us seeking to walk the same path. On our best days there's a tangible person or two with whom we can share the ups and downs of the journey who has chosen to take the journey, too.

This is what a life of faith is: a journey without maps. There have been times in my life when that thought might have caused me to shudder. These days I am in the more enthusiastic camp. I like the idea that there is no real blueprint for the journey...only endless possibilities and a God who has promised to go before me and with me all the way (Deuteronomy 31:8). And because I am a part of the greater communion of saints - past and present - I have a community of people who love and support me along the way.

This journey without maps is the way of the person of faith. And what an amazing journey it can be if we simply surrender to it! My prayer for you is that you'll embrace it. Walk the path with holy confidence. Whether you find yourself simply closing another semester or actually graduating, just give yourself to the journey. You'll find a lot of unexpected things along the way. There are some things you can count on through it all: the hand of God to hold you, His love to sustain you, and companions for the journey.