As we journey through life, there are people who will join us – some only for a season, and others for most, if not all of the trek. When I consider the persons who have been on the journey with me – it’s clear that many would not have been considered choice traveling companions had it been my decision. Sometimes we get to choose the persons accompanying us – but oftentimes, it’s apparent that seemingly rogue wayfarers were actually placed on our path for a reason. It’s amazing that God can use even the negative actions and attitudes of others to make us better, stronger, more resilient and at the same time more compassionate – especially to others who experience a too familiar pain. Also surprising in retrospect, are the journeyers who have been placed on my personal path – that again, I wouldn’t have “selected” – but have become beacons of light in the dark and stormy times. Sometimes we simply must trust that “good” is coming from our situation – even if we are unable to see it. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy.
There are many that I chose to accompany me on this thing called “life”. Point: It pays to marry the right person – because they’ll be an encourager/supporter through it all, wherever the road takes you. Conversely, if you pick the wrong spouse – they often find a way to stick around too. (Not in a supportive, encouraging way – but similar to splinters, boulders, reptiles and broken glass on your barefoot path!) Even so, there are lessons to be learned about others and lessons we learn about ourselves that may and most likely will - surprise us.
I've learned to be cautious of disregarding the trekkers whose pilgrimage intersects with mine. Life is far more intricate than we can comprehend and I personally believe few things happen by accident. A person you may casually encounter tomorrow may turn out to be a future best friend, spouse, mentor, etc. Then again, you may have “a word” of encouragement or simple kindness that may be just what a random traveler needs to hear.
In the rearview mirror, it’s in those times that I was most struggling with the stuff of life – that some of the most phenomenal people have lifted me in prayer, raised my spirits, helped me, hugged and at times admonished me. Some challenged me to take the “high road”, strengthening my walk and enabling me to better enjoy and appreciate the respites. Thankfully, God orchestrated the people in my life - if left to my own devices, I'd have more of a mess than what He's allowed.
Last night, WGH and I had the opportunity to preview “The Way” – starring Martin Sheen. Admittedly, and unfortunately, several movies that fall into the Spiritual genre are a bit cheesy, causing the message to get lost and making Christian filmmakers the subject of mockery. “The Way” is not one of those movies. Without giving away too much of the plot, a grief-stricken doctor sets out on the journey of a lifetime. He embarks on The Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James), a roughly 500 mile journey on foot, beginning in France. The journey culminates at the tomb of St. James, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Before last night, I’d never heard of this pilgrimage, but am now quite intrigued.
There were several inferences throughout the 2 hour movie that really struck me. Not foremost, I was reminded that people often solicit help in an area of their lives they don’t have to feel embarrassed about, when in reality – the area in which they long for help and healing is completely different. It’s a reminder to listen with my heart - not just my ears. The plot reminded me again that people/situations aren’t always what they seem. That goes both ways, of course – I’ve desired relationships with people based on what was initially perceived, then reality kicked in and made me change my mind. Others, more slowly embraced, have turned out to be the most wonderful of friends. Lastly, everyone has “issues” – and everyone I know longs for deeper meaning in their life “wherever they are” on the spiritual continuum. Granted, some approach this longing with completely baffling methodology.
The cast was very "real" and the movie very "human". There are moments that bring a tear, and ones that make you laugh. Watching the film, and paying close attention to the travelers who joined the main character along the Camino – led to reflection on those who have joined my travels. Like the main character – I’d not have chosen some of my “traveling companions”, but in retrospect, it’s obvious that they have added value to this crazy, unpredictable journey! As the movie tag line says, “Life is too big to walk it alone.” (I’ll add: some of my co-pilgrims have made the pilgrimage thus far, anything but dull.)
TLHNOTE: following the movie, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez joined the audience for a time of Q&A. Admittedly, I was blown away by their humility and by the transparent manner in which they both shared of their own spiritual pilgrimages. EE actually shared that Hollywood now makes a lot of “crap” and he and his dad both know it – because they’ve both been in it! He expressed a desire to create more meaningful films going forward, stating that he no longer wants to “kill people” . EE also referred to himself as a “work in progress” and highlighted some of his own spiritual struggles. MS was asked about the message he’d like people to take with them after seeing “The Way”. He shared that while the main character’s pilgrimage took place on the Camino, our individual spiritual journeys take place wherever we are, and one doesn’t have to book travel to Europe in order to experience God, because God dwells within us. Well said, Martin.
This father/son team has my respect for producing a counter-culture film with such an inspiring message.
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| An image taken from http://theway-themovie.com |
