I journeyed as a journeyer today... trusting the heart of God.

Today I had an opportunity to not only visit a former home church, Hixson UMC, but participate in the worship service.  My role was fairly simple... walk down the aisle with a walking stick after the acolytes were on their way back.  I would be carrying a rock that I would set down among other rocks when I arrived to the table.  Then, I was to pour a cup of water and take a drink.  The journeyer.  It sounded like a great role, fitting even.... so I was glad to fill in at the last minute.

Little did I know prior to this morning that the theme was "perseverance" and that the rocks represented a rocky road.  Nor did I know that there would be a song playing, "Trust His Heart", by Babbie Mason. 

I knew that this was more than a role today.  I felt that in the air.  Then, the song started and the video that accompanied it played.  Both were powerful.  When it was time to start my journey, I couldn't quite set my pace.  It was almost as if I wasn't doing the walking.  What I do know is that the words were so powerful that I was teary-eyed as I walked.  I made it down the aisle and to the table.  I set my walking stick against the table.  I placed my heavy rock among the other rocks that were there.  I poured myself a cup of water, refreshing after a journey, and took a long sip.  Then, I turned to leave.  Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of the screen up to my left.  I saw the image of Christ in the picture and stopped to observe for a moment.  Then, I stepped down and went to my seat.

The service had songs and drama interspersed.  The music from the orchestra and choir were moving and powerful, as were the drama selections.

There were nuggets of truth from each that struck me.  Some more than others. 

"Ocean Views" was probably the most powerful for me, though I can't pinpoint why.  If I had heard that monologue last year at this time, it would have been even more difficult to hear as it talked about rough times.  Yet, it reminded all of us that God is bigger than all of those rough times.  And, as the monologue pointed out, there are still rough times.  Yet, the waves that crash the shore are no match for the waves of strength and joy that God has shown me are there for me, if I am willing to accept the gift of love, grace, and forgiveness.  God IS bigger than anything I can ever face.  And, I have faced some pretty big mountains in my life.

Spiritual growth has been one such mountain.... as God has continued to work in my life, calling me to go deeper, there have been some rocky roads along the journey.  It has been risky at times, often difficult, even painful (physically, emotionally, and spiritually).  But, it has been worth every ounce of effort and strength to keep going on the journey.  To keep on keeping on. 

The ultimate journey is my journey with Christ.  That relationship journey is the biggest for me.  It carries me on lots of adventures.   Beyond that, I'm on quite a few other journeys... school, Academy, family life, ministry, friendships, taekwondo, etc.  Each have their challenges, their rough spots, their joys.  Each is shaping me and molding me.

I am blessed to be on the journey with others.

How about you?  Are you on a journey of any kind?  What is it?  Where is it taking you?  Are there rocks along the path?  How do you deal with those rough spots? 

Though I may not always make the right decisions or take the right path at the crossroads, I am trying to live in such a way that shows there is some salt and light in this body.  And, when I'm not sure what to do, where to go, or what the heck is going on, I will try to remember to "Trust His Heart".

"Trust His Heart" by Babbie Mason
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLn0cRl-0GE&feature=related

All things work for our good
Though sometimes we don't see how they could
Struggles that break our hearts in two
Sometimes blind us to the truth
Our Father knows what best for us
His ways are not our own
So when your pathway grows dim
And you just don't see Him
Remember you're never alone

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

He sees the master plan
And He holds our future in His hand
So don't live as those who have no hope
All our hope is found in Him
We see the present clearly
But He sees the first and the last
And like a tapestry
He's weaving you and me
To someday be just like Him

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true
He alone knows what is best for you

God is too wise to be mistaken
God is too good to be unkind
So when you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

When you don't understand
When you don't see His plan
When you can't trace His hand
Trust His heart
Trust His heart

Journeying onward on this incredible adventurous path!
~Debra