Walking In Happiness

I walked.

I walked for quite some time.

In the Sahara, I plodded beneath a searing sun and my skin grew dry as leather. Whipped by sand carried on a savage wind, it was burned and scarred.

I wandered through the Amazon amid torrential rainstorms and was dragged down into a bog of mud on the path.

My feet slid aimlessly over ice in the Himalays and I reached out but my hands were scabbed and callous and they could not steady me.

I lost my way time and again in the Taiga forest as I fled a pack of wolves silently stalking me through the snow.

I looked up while crossing the Alps and saw a vulture circling overhead. He watched, waiting for me to stumble and fall from the narrow goat trail that followed the mountain's rocky ledge.

I roamed through the Savannah, hiding in the tall grass when a lion gnashed his teeth at my frailty. In the distance, I heard the barbarous sound of hyenas laughing at my ineptitude.

I strayed over the Tundra and cried out for help. But a cold, cruel gale stole my words, and left me standing alone with burning lungs and cracked, bleeding lips.

I have searched from the depths of the oceans to the highest peaks on earth. I have followed the north star from the poles to the equator, from the Pacific to the Atlantic. And it has led me back where I began.

I walked for quite some time. And my burden was heavy. And the path was difficult.

I walked but my strength, which was never my own, has waned. My feet are unsure of the way and my heart has grown too weak and weary to lead them aimlessly, any longer. Shadows of doubt, fear and despair slow my journey, hiding the path I walk. My trembling soul is seeking, but my eyes are closed and it searches in darkness. Perhaps I am afraid to see where this path will lead. Maybe I fear the brilliance of the light I am pursuing. Or perchance, I have grown so accustomed to the night that I fear the pain of opening my eyes and facing the day.

When finally, my legs buckle beneath me and I fall to my knees, there you lift me up. Though my thoughts have wandered from the purpose you lay on me, when finally, my face is buried in the dust, there you raise me up.

From the lowest valley, you carry me to the top of a hill and you point to the tree. When I bow down before it at last, the light of heaven bursts through clouds of lies and shines bright on Calvary.

I walked. I searched. But no matter how far I go, I will never find that which does not exist. I will not find happiness outside of you.

Your tender hand lifts my chin towards you and your smile on me. I open my eyes and feel the warmth of your mercy and grace. Born again of fire and water, you give me new life. Hands and feet strong in you. A mind renewed with infinite wisedom from you. A heart overflowing with love of you.

I walk still. With my hand held in yours, you lead me in your footsteps and the burden of this journey is light and easy. I walk with you...and I am happy.