The Vagabond’s Schedule
Lost within the boundaries of ever expanding grace and love—as a wanderer in a foreign land; a vagabond traversing the crust of the earth, choosing, with grateful heart, to relinquish everything except for what’s true and truly valuable–there is overflowing, resounding, indescribable peace. To explore the notes of a new rhythm; dance without worry; follow a path wherever it leads; let go of ill profit; paint without expectation; surrender unnecessary gain; and to live for the unveiling of the mysterious journey ahead, is solace for the weary heart and comfort for the weakened mind.
The vagabond has not ill-advised debt dripping from his pocket, flat screen TV strapped to his back or lap top computer rolled inside his sleeping bag. There’s no ostentatious mortgage pinned to his pants; luxury car in his pocket; 401k wrapped around his sandals; or Louis Vuitton cell phone pouch hanging amidst his metal pots and extra pairs of hiking boots. He carries upon him what is essential, for all else is simply wasted energy, space, and weight to be carried mile after mile; a burden measured in ounces for the avid, discretionary sojourner. To be tied too tightly to this world and the things it holds forth as important is dangerous and unwise for the one seeking something more than the so called treasures of modern day living and loving. Released grips; open hands containing nothing but what can easily be given away are crucial to the enduring message of what we have come to proclaim. Although unknowing, we are willing, and our course is to move forward, passionately engaging the path while confidently making decisions based upon our belief in the mystery of the unknown, the beauty of the unseen, the expectancy of experiencing the unexpected. Rise tomorrow, we know not if we shall, but if we do we will do so for the sake of more than the petty acquisition of new things. We will rise for the acquisition of new opportunities. Opportunities to share love with those who are blind to it, who cannot perceive it or its potential capabilities within their own lives and circumstances–we rise to show forth love, hopeful the translation is not lost on their blank faces and impassable eyes.
O how they neglect love, yet the chance to share with them ours is what drives us to wake every morn. How we get there, what we see along the way, and who we impact while going are all yet to be determined. Things left to encounter just as they come, for important things such as people, hearts, conversations, and memories are acquisitions which cannot be planned ahead of time or written down on a calendar weeks before they are scheduled to occur.
The schedule is to move, dance, run; throw one’s self to the current, stand strong against it, and steadily move upstream. The schedule is in the moment–enjoying and relishing every breeze, drop of sunshine and wisp of wet, morning dew, thinking of nothing more than reveling in God’s surging creation around us. The schedule calls for seeing people as real and not ignoring them; not treating them like drones or replaceable parts easily moved in and out of lackluster situations, happy to come out with paycheck and annual escape from routine work attire. The schedule involves loving people—taking the time to smile, say hello, make eye contact, share food with, teach, nurture, carry, and serve. The schedule is woven into the journey, and where it leads the adventure of following comes closely behind.
Put aside your expectations and follow the path lit for you today. One delicate step in front of the other, the light shining only to make way for what is directly in front of us, yet onward we prevail, onward we move, further we step into each space as it is given us and behold, another step is lit once more. One small stride at a time, we journey closer to the fringe and closer to freedom. One small step at a time, we share the joy of fellowship, of joining others as they pursue the Giver of true peace, the Master of all those who are faithful. One small step at a time, always moving, always attempting the unexpected and extraordinary for the glory of Another whom we live and strive for in everything we set out to accomplish. One step at a time, the path before us we will follow and rest not until our days come to a close and we abide closely with the One who sent us.
