The Journey Home

Just one more check to make sure I have everything; I never know how long one of these journeys will last. Let’s see, it looks like I have all I will need, I just pray that I’m fully prepared for what lies ahead. I pull my pack on and grab the walking stick by the door. As I open it I am surprised by someone already standing in the door way. Where are you going? He asks. I’m going to find my Son and bring him home. You are, he says in a some what sarcastic way. Yes; I am and you’re in my way. The stranger points at the chair inside and tells me to sit, he has something he must tell me. His tone alarms me; I feel the blood drain from my face. Has he come to tell me something bad has happen to one of my family, does he know something about my son? My hart beats fast as I awkwardly walk backwards to the chair and sit down never taking my eyes off the man before me.

His gaze makes the moments last forever, I fear he will never talk so I give in to the urge to fill the silence with words. You know I'm losing daylight, it’s a long walk to hell and I fear my son will not find his way out if I’m not there. You have time he says, you have time. But you don’t understand the hour is desperate and I must be on my way. All is as it should be, he say’s. How can you say that, I'm telling you, you just don’t understand.... Oh, I more than understand and I know how desperate you feel, but what do you think you can do? The stranger said in a quizzical tone. I told you, I can go to him I can bring him out, bring him home to all those who love him. And how will that help? He said again. By now my temper is rising, I can see out the window the sun is getting dimmer and dusk is on its way, I was planning on being at the gates by now. How will that HELP, are you daft, are you not listening. That’s all I have done, he said; or at least that’s what you think I have always done. But I have more that listen to you I have answered you; you have just got to learn to be patient. I, I, d-d-d-don’t understand; I stuttered.

Speaking of daft, he chuckled. Sorry, I could not resist. You see, your doing what you always do, you’re trying to fix things. Trust me there is nothing out there you can fix. Tell me, on your walk through hell, did anyone come to get you? No, I said. Were your prayers answered when you cried out for relief? No, again was my response. What happened, what had you learned once you found your way home? He asked. I paused and thought for a moment. Well, I began, I learn to trust my path, my sense of direction, because I realized even the road through hell leads home if you keep walking and focus on the horizon. Why the horizon? He asked. Because that is where you will always find the Son. Sometimes He’s not in sight and you feel the darkness closing in but if you walk long enough you will catch up to His light. Sounds like you learn a valuable lesson, he said. To keep walking with your eyes on your future. If that was what you learned on your journey, imagine what your son will learn on his. But, I said; I can hear him crying out, he needs me. No your wrong the stranger said; he needs me! Then, I said; why are you here with me and not with him? One day you will see; he said. One day your eyes will open and you will see.

The stranger walk to the door to leave, I tried to think of more questions I could ask him. He stopped as he open the door and looked my way and said. I will help you out maybe my words will calm you. All walk through hell; I did. Each journey is different and sometimes it has to be repeated, you should know that. But for those who trust in me this journey always leads home. See even now, if you look hard enough you will see your son has turned the corner and is on his way home as we speak. I understand my Lord; I guess I understand. But Lord, I asked; why did I think you a stranger? Because at times, I am to you, he said. You got to stop guessing, your know the truth, believe and have faith. You’ll get there, just keep walking, just keep walking, his words faded as he did from my sight. It was then I saw my son, he was on his way back home where is future is as bright as the Son just over the horizon.