The first sermon I ever wrote was about how so many people find their spirituality on the road. Buddha had to leave the palace to experience human suffering, putting him on the road to enlightenment. Moses took his people out wandering for 40 years. Jesus wandered while he found his disciples and while he sought communion with God. Saul became Paul while on the road to Damascus. Modern pilgrims include Muslims going to Mecca and Latter Day Saints going to Utah.
All of life is a journey and some of our world’s spiritual leaders claim their epiphanies on the journey—on the road—NOT safely at home. The Journey of Life opens us to new ideas, new people, new ways of thinking, and also sometimes, ancient truths.
When we think of our own spiritual journeys we like to share it with others so that we can see how our paths intertwine and intersect. Even if we meet later in life, when our Journeying days are mostly behind us, sharing our stories of Journey makes us feel not so alone.
In our UU Orientation classes we invite people to share the journey that brought them to UUFE. Sometimes we draw pictures about it. I recall when I was new to UU in Richmond VA and took an Intro class. The minister told our class that, while they were happy to welcome us, they understood that they might be a step in the path of our journey before we moved on. I have never forgotten this, so I always hope in the back of my mind that this faith brings its adherents to a place in your journey where you find solace. Peace. Communion. And second chances.
Paraphrasing Buddha and Hereclitus, one never steps in the same river twice. Both the river and the person are not the same.
If you have not been with us for some time, journey back here. Reconnect with people or rituals you have missed and let us welcome you again on your life’s journey.
In peace and love,
Rev. Amy