Life’s Path

Zion - Riverside Walk

I had just walked down this pathway, when something like a voice said, “Look behind…” I’m glad I did. A photo of a wondering path, making a gentle turn and disappearing or vanishing into the distance, has always captured my attention. The lure to find out what lies just beyond. But for me a path has also been a metaphor for life.

We each have our own path of life. We may share a common destination with others, but our path is still unique. No one is exactly like you or me. We may have someone come along side for a time, where the path is wide enough for two or more. But really our paths are just in parallel or possibly overlapping. We may share life’s events and support one another, yet how we experience any given event will still be unique for each one of us.

Developing a Rule of Life can be a way to help us understand how we got to this point on our path, and it can also help us enjoy and gain the best from the path that lies ahead. Just like in the picture above, our path is laid out before us. Our own unique path. And while it may look restrictive, it has much flexibility. For we can wander from side to side, or stick to one side, or walk right down the middle. Sometimes the edges are well defined, sometimes they are a bit blurred, but they are always there. Boundaries exist due to our unique, personal limitations, or to protect us from harm, or even possibly to help us from harming others. And while some may consider or view another person’s limitations as a weakness or handicap, in reality they often help to develop an even deeper, firmer grip of reality, especially on those slipperier parts of life’s path.

We must discover where those boundaries lie. While someone else may help us locate our boundaries, we can’t just quickly substitute theirs for our own. No matter how well meaning or insistent they may be. Else we will never experience the true breadth of our life, or worse yet, harm our self. But there is a positive aspect too. By discovering our boundaries, we may learn they are broader than we thought, adding even greater richness to our life.

Also, having a Rule of Life helps us to learn and enjoy the scenery along the way. So that we gain the greatest joy and pleasure as we travel our path. If we rush we miss much, and may not even know it. But if we slow down, and breathe the air, and listen to the sounds, and touch the grass, and pickup the feather, and look at the wonder of Creation, we are the better, happier, and healthier for it.

Just as in the picture, we seldom see were the path ends. We may have an idea what lies immediately ahead, with some glimpses of what awaits beyond. But the not knowing is part of the adventure, part of the joy of exploring and discovering our personal path.

Slow down. Spend a spell in solitude. Reflect on what has brought you here, to this point on your path. What “things” and habits have been a help, and what have been deceptive leaches, sucking away your physical and spiritual energies. Reflect and consider what baggage and other burdens you’ve carried thus far. Have they been of any help or support? Should you discard them? Perhaps they help to bring to mind a special memory, so they are worth keeping. Sort and sift and decide. Ask yourself, “Why do I do, what I do?” And then what new habits, what new views, what new pace of life would help develop the desired attitudes and practices that help you better see and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you on your path. That helps you to truly care for and Love others, and prepares your heart for your ultimate destination.

Well I warned you pilgrims, photos of paths bring out the metaphorical thoughts in me. Hope this didn’t drone on too long or leave you feeling too mushy.

I was surprised how having a Rule of Life worked itself into my thoughts. I had no intention of doing that when I started. But it is rather applicable. And before you run away from the word “Rule,” remember in this case it is used to describe a personalized “guidance” for living. Helping you to richly enjoy living your life, rather than dictating how you must exist.

If you’re interested in discovering and developing your own Rule of Life, here are a few web sites I’ve found. While they often overlap in some way, I’ve found that they each give a special perspective on the task.

A few resources for developing a personal Rule of Life:

I pray that something here today was a blessing or help, as you journey down your path of life.

jeff.

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revised: October 17, 2009