A Blessing for the Traveler

I love to travel.  I love to go and do and see new – or familiar – places and things.  And I have an even deeper love for going home.  My sweet and wise Gram was known to say, “Being ready to go and ready to come home are the signs of a good trip.”

This Christmas break, I flew to visit family.  What a gift that was! I squeezed into a seat made for tall, thin people and barreled through the air at over 600 mph.  The whir of the engine muffled the noises of those around us.  Each person on the plane focused on what waited for them at our final destination – some resting, some distracting themselves with entertainment, a few simply and quietly sitting.  All waiting to land and move on with the “actual trip” or “real life”, as opposed to the travel time. 

May I Hold Space

Traveling.  Holding space.  All of us moving forward.  All of us waiting.  All of us squeezing into our seats and soon enough pouring out into our new destination.  All of us speaking to few but sharing space and time with all who are going our way. 

These final moments of this Christmas season felt like traveling home.  My heart weighed heavy, knowing I’d left something wonderful – the joy and growth of the break, the year, the decade.  But equally, home pulled my heart forward. I was ready to bound ahead toward real life and newness.  I am, simultaneously, reflecting on what’s been left behind and looking forward to what will happen next.  Still caught in the middle – in the travel time.

The sunlight peeks in through the window.  My growing too fast boy leans against me.  My laptop open and thoughts drip slowly onto the screen.  It’s a moment I won’t ever have again.  May I not rush through this minute to get to the next one.  May I hold space for the waiting, as I hold space for remembering. 

A Blessing for the Traveler

For the traveler, be you creeping to work in commuter traffic or sailing on the trip of your dreams, may your heart hold space for the journey.  May the peace of God settle into your soul and open your eyes to the glory of this moment. 

For the traveler, be you alone on a crisp and quiet morning or surrounded with senses full from those around you, may your heart be open to those you meet.  May joy fill and overflow your soul. 

For the traveler, be your calendar full or empty, may you recognize each moment as a gift.  May God’s grace be infused into each moment as you intentionally love and nurture those you encounter. 

For the traveler, be you leaving or coming home, may you know safety.  May protection surround you and those on your path. 

The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Love and Hugs, Bethany