Tag Archives: Journey

February 2013 Soul and Solace

Creativity/Spirituality, , , , , ,

True North

February is a study in contrasts. In Austin, February’s the month most likely to bring sleet, snow, and sweat—often within the same week. We celebrate Valentine’s Day: balloons, hearts, and bouquets, and Christians observe Lent: silence, reflection, and confession.

By February we’ve had time to get real about those new year’s resolutions we made. What are we really determined to do? Where are we headed? Charles Kimball’s book, When Religion Becomes Evil, encourages readers to think of their life’s journey in terms of a compass, rather than a map. In other words, instead of seeking what specific turns and highways we’re supposed to take, we determine our highest value and, when faced with a decision, make the choice that points us true north.

I can’t control what comes into my life; I can determine my response to it. I can seek to face Godward. When I take a wrong turn, all I have to do is realize it, turn around, and continue north.

So in this month of contrasts, I’m seeking to face Godward, journey true north, and just see where it takes me. What is your true north? What metaphor(s) inform your life choices? We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Sept. 2009 Soul and Solace

Creativity/Spirituality, , ,

Milestone Moments

Whistles, cheers, and a low, rumbling chant: “one oh, one oh”—we heard it half a mile away. A moment later we saw flags waving and teens crowding toward the school’s doors. I noticed a number of new shoes and backpacks still bearing store-fresh creases. My daughter was somewhere in that crowd, sporting a sea-foam green t-shirt bearing the hot-pink logo “10.” Dots of sea-foam green adorned the crowd: Senior girls dressed to celebrate their first day of class as top of the heap. Waves of enthusiastic energy burst across the campus and into the street; they caught me up and took me back to such a day in my life. And in a season of life that at best could be described as perplexing and at worst as demoralizing, that enthusiastic, anticipatory energy gave me hope.

Such formative moments are like milestones on our life’s journey. As we first pass them, the milestones form tangible evidence that we have, indeed, come this far. Looking back on them in tough times, they become tangible reminders that things have not always been so and, indeed, may not always be.

What milestones form your life’s journey? What did they mean to you as you passed them? What meaning do they hold for you now? Consider graphing your milestone journey; you might write it, draw it, sculpt it, sew it, or . . . Then, if you like, share your experience of the practice with us.