Ways: A Reflection by Katie

“And a highway will be there—it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that way.”

– Isaiah 35:8

I have realized that one theme that’s been talked about a lot this year, whether stated explicitly or not, is mapping, directions, or navigating—to me often summed up with the word “ways.” So many conversations surrounding current events in our world both reference and use as a framework the notion of figuring out a path ahead, or where things will go— physical locations and also conceptual plans, goals or even guesses. Earlier in the spring of  this year, one big questions was “where will get hit next by the coronavirus” or “where will it spread to next”?

Locations and directions were intensely tracked and so much focus fell on specific places – another example being 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed. That specific intersection kind of evolved into a sacred or holy space of  gathering in a really beautiful way. Another one is how the media constantly covered where or which way the protests and marches were moving. This summer and fall at Wilderness, we’ve often used the phrases “the way that things will look”, and had meaningful conversations digging into “ways of knowing”.

In the midst of all these things going on, we all use different methods of finding our way;  we reach for different kinds of compasses and maps. For many, I think it’s faith, religion, spirituality, or even a mindset. And in this verse they name a path a “Way of Holiness”  which I really loved and for me kind of circled back to one conversation we had during our  staff training this summer about openness regarding bible studies, faith conversations and reflections here at Wilderness—thinking about the question we often ask campers, “Where  did you see God today?” and stretching that in different directions or using new language that might resonate differently. In each of our own unique experiences of WCB, as staff,  campers, or guests, I think that here is a place where we explore those new ways—ways of  knowing, ways of growing in our faith, a “Way of Holiness”. And this can be outward,  inward, through and within these paths and places in our lives.

I think it is important to acknowledge that sometimes the ways of our thoughts and minds  are filled with logistics, judgements, negativity, and stress, which is just our human nature. But when has there been a better time to practice shifting that mindset or narrative by  welcoming and embracing radical openness and new ways of finding holiness? Whatever our map or compass or GPS or guiding light situations is, we can listen, learn, navigate, welcome and follow new ways of holiness, however that may be for us.

 

One perspective that I’ve found holiness in is this blessing by Jan Richardson:

The Map You Make Yourself
by Jan Richardson

You have looked
at so many doors
with longing,
wondering if your life
lay on the other side.

For today,
choose the door
that opens  to the inside.

Travel the most ancient way
of all:
the path that leads you
to the center
of your life.

No map
but the one
you make yourself.

No provision
but what you already carry
and the grace that comes
to those who walk
the pilgrim’s way.

Speak this blessing
as you set out
and watch how
your rhythm slows,
the cadence of the road
drawing you into the pace
that is your own.

Eat when hungry.
Rest when tired.
Listen to your dreaming.
Welcome detours
as doors deeper in.

Pray for protection.
Ask for guidance.
Offer gladness
for the gifts that come,
and then
let them go.

Do not expect
to return
by the same road.
Home is always by
another way,
and you will know it
not by the light
that waits for you

but by the star
that blazes inside you,
telling you
where you are
is holy
and you are welcome
here.