Jesus Army Life - Wastelands

I just dropped a recovering alcoholic off at a rehab after he stayed with us for two days. He's been on a waiting list for a while and is hopeful that he is going to make good on his abstinence. I'm glad we were able to help him avoid this particular temptation during the Christmas period; if all goes well he will be able to rejoin his family and begin to sort out his life.

Yesterday (Christmas Day) we took a walk around a lake and across a few icy fields. There were about thirty of us and it felt like a tribe crossing the wilderness of the frozen tundra. The thick sheet of ice which covered the lake was enchantingly beautiful as the low winter sun dazzled on its frosted glass. There were no clouds and only a setting sun to bear witness to this company of sojourners.

Sometimes the struggle of one life barely seems worthwhile in the light of a harsh continued existence. But when you travel with others, life's questions and even its trials are placed in perspective, beauty becomes the backdrop to the hope of finding a way through and you are reminded that nothing is without purpose even when all seems wasted.

photo by Scott M Duncan at Flickr.com