This is a photo of one of the paths between the seaside villages of Cinque Terre. It is narrow, rocky, and its destination obscured. In fact, the path leads away from the Mediterranean (which would be to one’s left) and further into the mountain – away from where I was headed.
So often, this is what my life’s journey feels like—how about you?
The journey by footpath through Cinque Terre is unpredictable. The view is spectacular; but when the road is so precarious, I tend to see just what is immediately around me: the jutting rocks, my footing, the narrowness of the ledge, the obstacles. I lean forward, my heart beating rapidly in my ears, straining to catch the sounds of other travelers. I do not want to be completely alone in my journey.
The red paint that marks the path is rather a blight to the natural terrain, but there is some reassurance in knowing that I am on the right path. This is the way I am supposed to be going. I haven’t wandered off by mistake.
Other travelers do appear. Some with sweaty, but smiling faces. We exchange greetings with German tourists in the language of our shared journey: “Buon giorno!”
A beautiful city waits at the end of my path. In Cinque Terre, it is Vernazza, pictured below at night and at dawn.
Somewhere at the end of my spiritual journey, a beautiful city waits for me as well. It is a city of light, flowing with a river of pure life. It sparkles like a precious gem. The city will bring healing to the nations, and no evil will enter there (Revelation chapters 21 and 22).
The path to get there is narrow, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7: 13-14). Jesus said He was “the way” (John 14:16). His Word will be a “light to my path” and a lamp for my feet” (Psalm119:105).
With my heart, I see the city and trust the path I am on to get there. With my heart, I hope, and love, and believe.
And that… is living spiritually in the everyday.