Day Four
April 4
Another glorious morning walk amongst the daffodils and luscious green grass…
Mid-morning, we planned what was meant to be a small walking excursion not far away in the Dalby Forest.
Such a lovely walk amongst the tall evergreens towering high above the path. We came across a Nissen Hut used to house forest workers as they helped replenish woodland areas - post WWI.
We were certain one walking path intersected with another that went ‘round the lake. It didn’t… resulting in a bit of a more robust hike than we had set out to enjoy.
Back at the car park, three intelligent women looked at the park-issued map and collectively decided that making a left would finish off our little adventure for the day.
Cell Navi was useless there in the forest… and so we set off. Making that left turn.
And on and on we went, up and down and all around… for miles. Fully convinced that just around the next bend we would come across the Visitor Center we had initially popped in to see when we arrived.
At some point, we came across the park’s exit gate, and tapped the intercom to speak with a human being (something we hadn’t come across for miles)… and there was no voice but the gate went up and out we went. And it wasn’t good. And it wasn’t right.
On and on we went… the road eventually closing down to a single file tractor lane. We laughed and cringed and still believed that certainly - just up ahead - we would pop out of the silly forest and all would be well.
We passed St. Athabaskan Orthodox Monastery which had the most amazing life-sized statues set up along the long upward climb displaying, in beautiful form, the stations of the Cross.
And just after that, we stopped. Just pulled into a parking spot to think. Nothing was right about this trek. And lo and behold we suddenly got cell service and discovered we were absolutely nowhere near our intended location. More like thirty five minutes away.
And some lovely children bounced happily about on their trampoline - happily oblivious to our need for direction. They happily directed us to the farm cottage where a lovely farm lady happily assured us that this happens often, but not to worry - we just needed to go all the way back from where we had just come and we would happily arrive at the Visitor Center - where we had happily arrived - hours before.
Happily is the key because when you’re lost and you finally understand you are lost… direction and guidance has the propensity to produce joy.
Or frustration
Annoyance
Judgement
Mistrust
For Leah and me, and our wonderfully spirited aunt - JOY!
As I sat later in the day considering our funny adventure - I was reminded again of my need for grace.
Grace for myself when I get lost and lose my way… lose my North Star. Lose my ability to navigate pain and suffering, trouble and despair.
Grace for others who are also lost - some who will never see their wandering and need for help.
Grace. Such a beautiful gift modeled for us by the Cross of Christ. Who led the way, along the path of suffering, to bring Hope to our darkness.
It was because of His great GRACE and great LOVE - He walked the Via Dolorosa, the way of suffering…
For me…
For you…
And sometimes getting lost in a wooded forest serves to remind again… of the wonder of His ways.
The Way of the Cross
For me…
For you…
🔷