First Baptist Church of Herndon

Destination Uncertain

Linda Soller | Mar 13, 2023

The Barred owl is very territorial and supposedly very verbal. From late winter into early spring these owls allow for an overlapping of territories in order to find a mate. Once the season is over, they return to familiar locations. We assume our yard is in one of the shared territorial areas based on the amount of owl communication we hear on a nightly basis. Other times of the year the distinctive hooting of the Barred owl is a rare occurrence. I can just imagine the owls heading out each night as the sky grows dark, not totally sure where they will end up, but clear on why they are going. I would go so far as to say they feel compelled to make the journey.

Humans seem to prefer having a plan which includes a destination. The destination depends on the reason for the journey. And as we know our journeys in life may be related to love, jobs, dreams, survival, and well, the list goes on. In the Bible God often called His people to journey without knowing where they would settle. They were called to go in faith and trust. God knew where they would end up, but He was not always forthcoming with that information in the beginning of the journey. What we also see in the Bible is how His people felt compelled to heed the call. 

Today our world grows smaller as desire and/or necessity often leads people to new locations, sometimes far away from the places they love. If we get to decide on the journey we take, and our destination, we still must address a great deal of uncertainty. Will it be worth the loss of what we know for what we think we want? Can we give up being near our loved ones? Is the reason we are going forth legitimate or a whim? Uncertain, yet feeling compelled, we journey toward the destination that is our future.

During this season of Lent let me share a few certainties. Where there is faith there is strength.  We do not always get to see where we will settle when our journey begins. But most important of all, we will never travel alone.

Be the love in the world  : )   Linda