THE BOILING POT
/Sometimes I reflect back on my “pilgrimage years.” When I traveled, I often chose to stay at retreat centers because of their reasonable priced accommodations and contemplative atmosphere. I remember the last time I went on a private retreat. I traveled to a seminary on the coast of Spain just south of Barcelona. The staff knew only a smattering of English, but I managed to engage at meals with them and the students. My time was spent wandering through a nearby town, walking the beaches and reading the Bible. I was drawn to the book of Jonah. As I read, it occurred to me that in making this sojourn to Spain, I was running away from divine assignments. That ended my “spiritual respites,” at least for a time, but recently the urge to travel has bubbled to the surface and is threatening to come to a full-blown boil.
Browsing through my book collection a few days ago, “Travels that Can Transform Your Life” caught my attention. I have read this book twice. Scanning its highlighted pages, I shouted, “Yes, this is it!” For me, travel has always been a spiritual experience. There have been times when I am drawn to a certain place, but I have no logical reason for going there. This can be embarrassing with people ask me, “Why are you going there?” When I ask, “Lord, why am I here,” I don’t always get an immediate answer, but over time I come to understand His purpose.
The next time you are planning a trip or find yourself on an airplane or at place that takes you away from your daily routine, ask yourself these questions:
What are you seeking in this place?
What are you missing while you are in this place?
How can this place or this trip bring about transformation in some aspect of your life?
If the “pot” doesn’t simmer down, I’ll send you at postcard from wherever I land!
See, I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared (The Conquest of Canaan Promised: Exodus 23:20 NIV).
