RevGal Jan is under the weather, so we are swapping weeks for the Friday Five and I’m hosting this week over at RevGalBlogPals. (Feel better, Jan!) Actually, I want to thank her because she inspired me when she recently shared this poem by Rumi:

A road in Bavaria.

I reflected on this poem for a while and thought about some new “roads” that our progeny are beginning. Both are graduating (one from high school, one from college). The Johnnie (on the right) graduated last Sunday  and has several options she is pursuing for the fall. She will know in God’s good time where that will be. Reedy Girl (on the left)  is now set to go to St. John’s College, which will also make her a Johnnie! To avoid confusion, my Beloved Bearded Spouse suggested we call them J2D2 and J1D1. 🙂

To add to the familial upheaval, I am also looking at a possible new “road” in a much hoped-for job. It’s been a winding path to get this point! So in thinking about our life’s journey, and the rhythm of our lives, here’s five questions on this theme…

1. What “road” is in your immediate future? 

I sincerely hope a job with more regular hours, with more of them being on the same schedule as the rest of my family. Right now I work overnights, and it’s pretty tiring. I usually describe it as having jet lag a couple of times a week. Without the cool destinations.

2. Where have you been “traveling” a lot lately — and are you going back there? 

Well, literally I’ve been traveling to Annapolis lately! And we will be back there in August. 🙂 Spiritually and vocationally, I’ve been traveling some hard roads with my patients and their families. God’s love, grace, forbearance and kindness shines through. Every. Single. Time. And I get to watch.

3.  Who are your fellow travelers? 

Well — there’s my lovely progeny, above, and my wonderful spouse. My mom, sibs and their families. Friends and co-workers. A host of RevGals. And people who read this blog. (I am still kind of bemused that people I’ve never met IRL follow my blog. Thank you!)

4.  Who are the unintentional companions (or hitchhikers) that you find on the road with you? 

Probably those hurts and slights that have wounded me, but God has reminded me are not mine to keep. I am taking to heart the wisdom from Hebrews 12:1-2a

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

5.  As a family, we always recite “the traveler’s prayer” — a tongue-in-cheek petition as we pull out of the driveway (“Lord, whatever we have forgotten, may it not be important!”) What have you forgotten lately, and did it matter?

What I have forgotten lately is a L-O-N-G list of things! In the long run, nope. It really didn’t matter.

BONUS: Share a photo of a road you’ve traveled. Or of traveling companions who have made the journey special. Or perhaps there’s a song or another poem that suits your journey. Since I’ve shared some photos, here’s a song… This Road by Jars of Clay says it pretty well for me.

All heavy laden acquainted with sorrow
May Christ in our marrow, carry us home
From alabaster come blessings of laughter
A fragrance of passion and joy from the truth

Grant the unbroken tears ever flowing
From hearts of contrition only for You
May sin never hold true that love never broke through
For God’s mercy holds us and we are His own

This road that we travel,
may it be the straight and narrow
God give us peace and grace from You,
all the day
Shelter with fire,
our voices we raise still higher
God give us peace and grace from You,
all the day through.