Traveling Light

By Connie S. Arnold

I’d fought all I could and now needed a place to rest. A cave? An especially leafy tree that canopied over the path ahead? But wait, what was that beyond that meadow? A sturdy-looking shelter. Panting, I gathered my coat around me and pulled up the collar for some protection from the driving rain.

I arrived breathless but the sign hanging over the door invited, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Now, I know where I am! I know who built this fortress and why it’s close to the path on which I journey.

I am not the only one sheltering here. Others look disheveled and weary like me, but there are some looking refreshed and ready to leave the fortress and continue their passage. This isn’t a forever dwelling.

The warmth of fellowship soon dried my sodden clothes. Revealing light shone on my wounds, so that they could be cleansed and healed. Life-sustaining bread and honey renewed my strength. Renourished in body and spirit. I was expected to carry on to my destination.

I am relocating to another place. I sold all my possessions and said good-bye to my neighbors. I’m travelling light because everything I need will be waiting for me there. This mighty fortress came just in time for reviving myself after a particularly hard-won battle. But since I took the first step, there have been temporary shelters, encouraging fellow travelers met, and sometimes a light shining on the correct path. A few times I’ve closed my eyes to the light but then I wandered in confusion. But when I reopened my eyes, I found the path well marked.

I have heard of other forts that house soldiers who go out to fight the enemy in the daylight hours but at night return to the safety of the walls.  At night they are refreshed to take up the battle the next day. Those who journey this path that I’m on rely on these warriors to keep the enemy from removing road signs, setting traps, and otherwise destroying the road.

Now, I must leave the fortress, but I am better equipped. I have a sword and a shield. I’ve been tasked to encourage other travelers I will meet by telling how I’ve made it this far, and I’m to tell them that they, too, can make it because strength and provision will be available daily.

I now have renewed courage, and as the door of the fortress closes behind me, I eagerly look forward to what lies ahead, and I catch myself singing a song I learned as I sheltered.

“A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; . . . We tremble not for him; his rage we can endure; for lo, his doom is sure; One little word shall fell him.” (Martin Luther, 1529).

CSA__________