We think of journeys during this season. Poor Mary, how uncomfortable it must have been for her having to travel to Bethlehem being nine months pregnant. In a few weeks we remember the Magi and their journey to see the Infant King. Even the shepherds journeyed, following the angel’s invitation to a manger.
Advent is a time when we think about our own lives, our personal journeys. The Readings certainly invite us to wake up, stay alert and get ready. We reflect on our lives, how far we’ve come, where we would like to go. You know, ‘miles to go before you sleep’.
On a different note, we journey to stores to purchase gifts, we journey to visit friends and families, and we journey to our churches to worship.
A journey is defined as the act of traveling from one place to another. The examples I wrote of speak of journeys both outside and within. There is one last journey that I’m thinking of this morning. And that is sometimes the longest journey of all…..
the journey from the head to the heart.
It refers to the gift of being able to transform head knowledge into heart wisdom. It’s storage vs. application. It’s knowing vs. feeling. It’s posessing vs. sharing. It’s living vs. loving.
The journey from the head to the heart….the shortest distance…..the longest journey.
Reflections on the Journey 
Though I have never studied/practiced/followed ‘advent’ or really know what it is, except something to do with Christmas and a calendar, I know the longest journey well.
The longest journey consists of a path with many obstacles, junk really, and many side paths which send you back to where you started, and make it nearly impossible to reach the destination…
Persistance, Faith, Hope, Love and the Holy Spirit are the best companions on the journey, but often times Self righteousness, self importance, self reliance, and their favourite companions sin and doubt tend to push the good guys out the way and thwart the whole journey!
BAH!!!
Help us Lord, Help us go the the whole distance!!!
Help us to be Spirit led, not Head led!
Bless Ya Andie,
Kaz
Blessings back to you Kaz. Your comments are wonderful. Your words are so filled with truth, and we continue our journey with our companions – persistance, faith, hope, love and the Holy Spirit.
Andie, what if that journey turned out to be a pilgrimage, a holy journey then, not always easy, with its challenges, but with such an inspiring goal?
So glad we are co-pilgrims 🙂
I’m glad as well Claire. Yes, that is a pilgrimage, our own personal journey and yet we walk the road together.
I love what Claire says – pilgrimage and we are a pilgrim people.
Yes we are Fran. And it’s good to remember that. Sometimes I forget about the journey and get stuck in the here and now.
Another beautiful, insightful post! Sometimes the distance from the head to the heart can be so far, but I’m glad our Guide patiently, lovingly walks beside us and teaches as we go. Living from the heart certainly makes us more Christ-like, doesn’t it?
We lit the candle of hope on our Advent wreath at church yesterday. I really enjoy this season of anticipation and reflection.u
Hope your journey this week is a blessed one!
Thank you Glenda, I pray for a blessed week for you. You are so right, we don’t make this journey alone.
And isn’t that journey from the head to the heart one of the most fulfilling? Someone commented on my blog that seeing through the heart of others is illuminating. I think that’s so true, whether it’s our own or others’ heart.
Yes Joanne, whenever we ‘get out of ourselves’ it is illuminating. And, it is a fulfilling journey, a rough road, but well worth it.
I’ve now heard from several sources about viewing Advent as a pilgrimage. Having been on pilgrimages myself, I know that the journey can be fast-paced and busy, just like this season, but moments of grace abound. It’s a good image to ponder.
You make great points Denise. I love that phrase, ‘moments of grace abound’. Now is the season to slow down, it’s difficult because the world is rushing.
Unfortunately, your last statement is too very true.
Yes Richard, I know that only too well.
Some journeys we give more thought and preparation to than others.
Absolutely S. And some we bring extra baggage along.