One Toe In (Part 1): Obstacles on Our Journey

     Imagine there is an extraordinary place you wish to go. You've only heard about this amazing place from trusted others but it sounds like just the spot for you. Because you've never been, you don't know exactly how to get there. You've only been pointed to a path that those trusted others have assured you will lead to the desired destination. 

Beginning the Journey

     Fortunately, you were blessed with a guide to help you complete this unpredictable journey. The two of you encounter another traveler and guide who are also headed to the same mysterious place. Together, you all approach a rapid and dangerous river. Your guide tells you to cross the river at a point, let's say Point Me. The other guide tells their traveler to cross the river at Point Them.
     You look down at the river and notice that Point Them looks like smooth sailing. It seems that the distance between the other side of the river and Point Them looks shorter and easier than at Point Me, the place your guide wants you to cross. You throw your guide a puzzling look. You are definitely questioning their judgment. Your guide responds with only two words: ”Trust me”.

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An Obstacles Arises

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     The other traveler seems to be getting along well so you get antsy and decide to cross. You dip a toe in to test the waters and you stub it on a rock. You're only one toe in and you're already suffering an injury that could make the rest of your trip difficult.
     What do you do? How do you react when you reach this obstacle? I'm sure you've figured out by now that this story is a metaphor for our spiritual journey. There is a myriad of choices we can make and a myriad of reasons why we make them. Over the next couple of weeks, I will use this story as a starting point to examine our decision making processes when our journey is hindered.

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Questions To Ask Ourselves

    In the meantime, here are a few questions I will be asking myself: Should I keep trying to cross at Point Me or should I try Point Them? Does my destination now seem less worth the journey? If so, should I give up on the trip altogether? Do I blame my guide for leading me across treacherous waters? Do I blame myself for trusting my guide?
     Please take a few minutes to consider this scenario and to answer those questions. If any additional questions come to mind, by all means, please share them in the “Comments” section below. See you next week as we begin to dissect this story and to explore spiritual possibilities.