Bless not only the road

One of my favorite travel quotes is by Julia Cameron: "Bless not only the road, but the bumps on the road. They are all part of the higher journey." We felt the bumps of the road today as we traveled on the backs of animals with humps. A camel ride is always great fun and produces much laughter.  It is a terrific way to bond a group.  Our hosts were a Bedouin family who have a desert hospitality business that includes the camel ride and lunch in a Bedouin tent-a hearty lunch I might add.

It was a fitting end to a day that began with worship on Masada, the high mountain fortress built by Herod the Great. From that vantage point high above the desert floor, we talked about the call of the desert to so many Christians in the early history of our faith. To the desert many fled in order to meet God in the silence, stillness and solitude.  They lived in a world filled with noise and busyness and tension. Sound familiar? The desert gave respite and relief in a way that enabled hearing "the still small voice of God".  I think we all agreed that having our own place of quiet contemplation nurtures our spirit. Such moments of quiet contemplation give the needed energy for getting through the "bumps in the road" times of life. The prophet Isaiah tells us that "those who wait for The Lord shall renew their strength."

It rained today, not enough to change any plans.  In the Bible rain is always a blessing for the land.
It was a blessing for us too.

Blessings and shalom (a rich word that is used for hello, good-bye, wholeness and peace,
Mary