Reflecting....

As I make my final preparations for departure, I have the opportunity to reflect on a journey that is different than any I have taken before.  Really, why do I want to do this?  Yes I enjoy hiking and experiencing new cultures, but I can do that in many places.  It is time that I can spend with Jo, undistracted by the everyday events and obligations.  That certainly is a draw.   I also see this as an opportunity for reflection. 

In our busy days, we don’t have time to think beyond accomplishing the next item on the list.  In the course of walking for two weeks, there will be ample time for talking with Jo or others in the group.  I will spend time seeing some of the sights, but there will be many hours where I have the opportunity to just reflect.  In the past, I have had that opportunity in short spurts, while driving long distances and on a long run, but it is hard to divorce myself from what is coming up next on the schedule.  For two weeks, there won’t have much, if anything that I can do about anything else outside of the walk.  That will allow me, if I allow myself, to reflect for extended periods of time.

           

           What will I reflect on?  I am not sure, there is a lot of time and my mind tends to cast a wide net.  What I would like to discern is my motivation for helping others.  I am of a pragmatic bent and no matter what my motivation is, I know that I am called to help others.  Is it because I feel that I am supposed to do it?  Certainly Jesus commands this and I do like to follow his commands.  Is it out of love of those who I help?  I would like to think so.  Is it to assuage some inner need of mine?  Maybe there is some of that.  But I would like to think that it isn’t a major factor.  I am not sure.  I would like to approach this without preconceptions and just say that I don’t know why I do what I do.  Then I can appreciate the results of this introspection without imposing my preconceptions on the results. 

Well, we are almost ready to leave.  We need to finish packing and there are lots items on the list to still tie up.  Follow us as we go and I hope you find it as interesting as I do.  Rick