Jesus: Joy for the journey

I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

Acts 2:25-28

“Lord, if it is Your Will, please help us to make this land our home” A prayer said on a hilltop, in the chilly, windblown drizzle, four years ago. It was the first time. The first time we prayed together outside of church. And it changed our lives in countless ways from that day.

Forever.

That hilltop is not so very far from this tree. This tree, which we returned to with our (then) six children, a little plaster statuette of St. Joseph, a shovel, and hearts overflowing. We gathered under its branches, dug a small hole between roots outspread, placed the blessed effigy, joined our hands, and prayed once again. As a family. For the first time. We had always asked a blessing over our meals, and said ‘bed-night’ prayers with our children. They had been taught the prayers of the Church and various devotions, but this was the first time we prayed together for something from deep down in our hearts.

And it has changed our lives. Forever.

From that day, we dwelt in hope. And we traveled along that Emmaus road, not always recognizing Him as our constant companion and guide. And he brought people into our lives, people likewise nourished by prayer, to share the sojourn to where we are today. And beyond, to where we do not yet know.

And through it all, though the path was steep, we kept each other from falling.

And we are filled with JOY in His presence.