risk moments

while at the camp this past week

it was agreed

we all would spend a significant portion

of one day in silence

each had the choice

of being alone

or with someone else

the camp is on the edge of a lake

and during the early morning session

I confess

its peaceful white expanse

kept capturing my thoughts

so I quickly booted and scarfed up

and took off to figure out how to get out there

I found the edge easily enough

but just as I placed one foot onto its iced surface

I remembered the warning

given by a friend back home

don't go out on the lake

it might not be frozen enough

I hesitated

but then pushed on

motored by the realization

that most people

come to the very edge of their dreams

and quit

I looked at the other side

focused on a majestic evergreen

and started walking

after crossing over

I looked back

amazed by the straight line of my footprints

it is so true

when stepping out into uncharted territory

if you remain focused

your path will be straight

and so in seeking this path

where there is no trail

my eyes must remain fixed

on the signpost of His face on my horizon

only this will prevent me from going round in circles

or extending the journey unnecessarily

by wandering footsteps

I was completely happy on the other side

for several hours

but then missed community

it was easy to follow the straight line back

as I got closer

those I had left behind

raised their hands in greeting

and although no words were spoken

it was very very good to be together again

there was also the amazing aroma of coffee in the air

with its fingers reaching out

pulling me in

and we sat

in the snow

at the edge of the lake

shoulder to shoulder

knee to knee

drinking our coffee

in silence

it was very very good to be together again

I had not stopped at the edge

but crossed over

and the voice of community

was loud in the silence

PS:

as I was posting this the doorbell rang

one of my fellow sojourners

dropped in for coffee

which means word of my addiction must be spreading :~)

and while sitting around the kitchen table

I learned

that while I was making my path across the lake

there had been 2

who sat, watched and waited

not wishing to curb my desire to cross the lake

only wishing to ensure my feet remained on solid ground

and I am so very deeply moved and blessed

knowing of their silent loving care