I Shall Arrive

This seems a fitting time to post the following poem as we begin to hear the geese moving away from the oncoming cold and watch flocks of smaller birds stop by our "bed and breakfast" in their autumn journeys. 

I see my way as birds their trackless way -
I shall arrive! what time, what curcuit first,
I ask not: but unless God send his hail
Or blinding fire-balls, sleet, or stifling snow,
In some time - His good time -
I shall arrive;
He guides me and the bird.
In His good time!

Browning's Paracelsus. 

I am not familiar with "Browning's" works, but this bit, quoted in Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South, hits home. Life is a trackless journey in many ways. We don't know what the next day, or even the next hour will bring. Often the path ahead is unclear. Sometimes we just seem to be wandering in circles. 

We want a clear map and step by step directions. We don't like surprises or "detours." 

But, though rarely given the specifics we crave, those who know the Author of life are blessed with His roadmap: the Bible. It never grows out of date or needs an "upgrade."

We are also given a Guide: His Spirit, to help us understand more and more of the directions in the map and how to use them to navigate each day.

And in fact, we do have a set of perfect footprints to follow: those of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

What gifts! And when at times we still feel like we are flying blind, let's remember Who guides the birds... and that we are worth so much more to Him than even they. And we will arrive in His good time!

"If the world was full of perplexing problems she would trust, and only ask to see the one step needful for the hour." (Chapter V of North and South)