Jack Kerouac’s book “On The Road” in many ways was formative of the restless way my generation came of age. Its romantic portrayal of leaving all attachments to home behind you, and finding the mythical authentic self you were meant to be — somewhere else, anywhere else, as long as it isn’t here, can be a very beguiling notion. The impulse to escape when feeling trapped is primal. It’s part of our fight or flight instinct . . . an instinct that kicks in when our sense of control has been threatened. In this way, the premise of Kerouac’s book could be understood as suggesting having control is paramount – even if it means you have to leave home to get it.
But control is an illusion, a mirage generated out of our desire to be self-existent, beyond the constraints and limitations that inescapably make up our daily lives. Even so, the metaphor of life being a road trip we all must be willing to take still rings true – because our longing to rise above our complacent acceptance of the broken way things are, in hope of discovering our true home . . . a place where what is broken inside of us can find healing. So yes, the idea that life is a pilgrimage, rings true. And here’s the thing — you’ve already been on this journey . . . ready or not. So the real question isn’t whether or not you’re going to take the trip – but rather, have you prepared for it?
The idea of hitting the road inextricably carries with it some expectation of a destination, giving you some idea of what you will need when you arrive, and what it will take to cover the distance you will travel. So if life is a journey, then knowing where that journey is taking you has unavoidable implications. And because you don’t know how long it will take, or what kind of terrain you may have to traverse — choosing to wear sensible shoes, and packing plenty of life-sustaining provisions, becomes an essential necessity. Which is why having a clear vision of where you are going, and why you want to go there, is so important . . . even if it’s a place you’ve never been before.
In Matthew 25: 1-12 Jesus tells a parable about the kingdom of heaven. The parable involves five foolish virgins and five wise virgins who are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive so they can enter into the marriage feast. For these ten virgins, the destination is the marriage feast. And their journey is the long uncertain darkness of the night and the restless vigil of the hours. The wise understand that the sojourn is as important as the destination – that finishing well (Matthew 25:21) doesn’t just happen, it requires a disciplined heart and mind.
For the five who entered into the marriage feast, it wasn’t simply a reward for their diligent efforts – rather it was the natural home for their hearts’ desire. In this way, we should sojourn together, encouraging each other to the high calling of our faith (Philippians 3:14). Being animated by the disciplines of our faith, let us walk by the Spirit, thereby demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 16, 22). For we make the journey together, allowing the Spirit of God to lead us and his word to light our way (Psalm 119:105) . . . we make our way home.
Just like this road . . .
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