A Reflection for the Saturday of the First Week of Advent
“While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears:
‘This is the way; walk in it,’
when you would turn to the right or to the left” (Is 30:21).
I don’t know about you, but when I read these words, they sound very, very appealing. Picture this: You reach a critical moment in your life, and you must make a major decision that will have far-reaching consequences for you and perhaps your family. Normally, the thought of having to make such a decision would fill you with anxiety and dread, but not this time. A voice sounds in your ears: “Just go this way.” It’s as simple as going right or left!
It sounds far too good to be true. Life—sad to say—does not come equipped with a GPS.
But what if it did?
Life—sad to say—does not come equipped with a GPS. But what if it did?
Let’s take the analogy a step further. In the not too distant past, there was no GPS to guide us to our next destination. So how did we get from here to there? It was fairly straightforward. You consulted maps. You asked friends. Sometimes you even pulled over to the side of the road and asked a stranger. And eventually, you found your way.
What if we approached the spiritual life in the same way? Instead of waiting for a voice to simply tell us what to do, what if we actively sought out help? What if we asked friends, read widely, maybe even consulted a stranger? And all along, what if we prayed and prayed, asking for God’s help?
God’s promise to us in Isaiah today is that the answer will come. It may not come right away, and it may not be the answer we want to hear, but it will come.
God’s promise to us in Isaiah today is that the answer will come. It may not come right away, and it may not be the answer we want to hear, but it will come.
“No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher.”
I have been blessed to have one or two moments like that. I can’t say they lasted forever, but they sustain me when I feel lost or alone. Our job as Christians is to stay on the path, to keep reading and praying and to wait for the Teacher to reveal himself again.
Get to know Tim Reidy, deputy editor in chief
1. Favorite Christmas Song
The Drifters, “White Christmas”
2. Favorite Christmas Tradition
Watching “A Christmas Story” with my kids and drinking Glogg on Christmas Eve morning (after some hearty exercise of course!)
3. Favorite Christmas Recipe
Does Starbucks Christmas Blend count?
4. Favorite Article You Edited This Year
There are many! But I was very glad to publish this fresh take on “The Sopranos” from Simcha Fisher.
5. Favorite Christmas Photo
Christmas 2009. My sister, my brother and five of the now 14 Reidy grandchildren. (We are not responsible for them all!)
