Distant Reflections

I haven't had as much time to process this vision quest, and in all honesty, I've had a lot more to process in the 7ish months since I was in the woods than with the previous retreat, but I feel that the my life has been a constant reflection on what I learned/realized during the time spent in the woods. These two verses from the quest have constantly been on my mind.

Proverbs 22.13

The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside; I will be killed in the streets."

Proverbs 26.13

The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A lion is in the open square!"


My life has been one constant plan change after another, and it seems like everything I come up with is changed for me. I'll be the first to admit that I have had my moments of panicked frustration. I've spent more than a few hours asking God, "Why is this so hard? Why does this have to happen this way?" I have had my moments of rolling with things and learning to trust. I've found myself being led by God more directly, and more often than I have, maybe ever, before in my life.

The biggest thing that I have to keep in mind is that there is a lion outside, more than one, and that he isn't going anywhere. He is going to stand out there, looking for a meal, and he is content to wait and catch someone off guard. The fact that I'm aware that they're out there gives me an advantage, but it only matters if I have the courage to go out there and face them.

I can play it safe, which I've been tempted to do on more than one occasion. I can stay status quo, not ruffle any feathers, and just go with the flow, safe in my house, away from the teeth and claws of a couple several hundred pound lions. That's no way to live, and in all honesty, that's worse than being eaten. I don't want to play it safe anymore.

There are lions outside, just waiting for an easy meal, and enjoying watching the fear and inaction their presence has caused. I refuse to be a victim of their intimidation any longer. The time has come for me to take some action.

I'm currently in the process of trying to move towards my future. I'm actively seeking ways to help myself move towards the role of Old Testament Scholar/professor of Old Testament Literature/Involved college professor-mentor who makes a difference in the lives of students.

The lions are out there, and they aren't going anywhere. They've been allowed to get comfortable, and they like it just fine where they are. I don't like where I am because of my fear of being eaten, and I've had enough. I'm suiting up, grabbing my sword and shield, and heading outside, to face the lions in the road.

That is what this quest, both of them, has been about. Face your fear, step out in faith, and face the lions.


Fight the lion, 1 Peter 5.1-11

TO GOD ALONE BE THE GLORY!