When I was young, I walked a path that took me to an important destination. Each member of my family walked that same path, and the destination was the important part of that journey.
As I grew older, I walked different paths, with different destinations. Gradually, in my journeys along these paths, I learned about life, and I began to understand something. The path I choose, the journey I am taking, is life, but it is not the destination.
I cannot tell you when the realization of this came to me. Maybe when I was 9 years old, lying in a hospital bed, hovering between life and death? As a teenager struggling to find my identity? Or as a young mother filled with love and hopes for her children? Now I am a grandmother, and I know that truly, life is a journey, not the destination.
Through the years there were so many paths I explored, so many times I thought I had found the ultimate experience. Looking back, I can see that every step brought me closer to my truth.
When I was introduced to the Baha’i faith, my first thought was, “Oh no! This can’t be.” As I read about Baha’u’llah and talked to Baha’is, asking questions and observing, I became aware of the truth for my journey: a faith that helped me walk the spiritual path with practical feet.
My journey has had many twists and turns. Often I lost my way and traveled paths that were dark and scary. One time, when I was deep in prayer and meditation because of a family situation, it was as though I heard a voice saying, “Haven’t I always taken care of you?” What could I have replied except “Yes, Lord.” And the voice continued, “Then go and follow.”
I cannot explain to you the relief that flowed through me as I was able to turn loose of my fear, my despair, my heartache.
I prayed and began to give thanks. Then, all I had feared wasn’t spoken of again until it was the right time; it was the Lord’s time.
The one constant I have had is the knowledge that I can turn to God for strength and comfort. I have known God by many names, but whatever the name, it is the same Spirit, the same Comforter. I often share a prayer with many who were lost and afraid. I share it with you now.
“Oh God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in thy hand. Thou art my guide and my refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved. I will be a happy and joyful being. O God! I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. Oh God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to thee, O Lord.”
Mona King serves on the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Springfield, an elected administrative board. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance, a network of more than 40 religious traditions and spiritual teachings. For more information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 344-5693.