an opposite way

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. Blue skies, an almost-fall breeze and warm sun made it impossible to pass up an afternoon bike ride. I have been wanting to try a longer loop in the forest preserve near school and it seemed like a great day for it! As I wound along a path of tall and cheery black eyed susans and an array of other wildflowers, I quickly discovered that I was heading against the flow of traffic. In the span of an hour I passed maybe three or four people walking on my side of the path while an unending stream of bikers, runners, rollerblade(rs?) and walkers came past on my left. It wasn't long before I began to wonder if I was still on the loop path or if I had perhaps somehow taken a detour that would dump me in the parking lot that everyone must be coming from.

But no, I stopped to check maps at every checkpoint and counted the mile markers and eventually began to recognize people coming around from the other side of the loop that I had seen before. Still, it seemed odd to be constantly face to face with so many people, particularly as nearly all of us were participating in exercise alone. Each encounter was an opportunity for a "hello" or head nod or quick wave - and nearly everyone was receptive to, if not the initiator in, these small pleasantries.

It struck me how similar this afternoon bike ride is to my life. Heading down a 'straight and narrow' path, an opposite way, can be lonesome. Occasionally there are others who come along side, whose lives you can observe or follow behind - and their presence is so valuable - but the vast majority of our interactions with the world are with many who are living out similar lives heading in completely opposite directions. Eventually we'll all end up the same place and know Jesus is the holy son of God. Eventually we'll see the kingdom come fully into a new heaven and earth.

But right now I'm just heading an opposite way, catching glimpses of such glory in gorgeous days and bike rides and black eyed susans. I love those fleeting hellos - they offer an opportunity to communicate love and humanity so simply. If I find myself living without chances to greet and share bits of life with people heading an opposite way - perhaps it will mean that I too am flowing along with them. I pray that if I find myself in such a place, God will send others who are heading in his opposite way to remind me of my humanity and calling, to help reorient me towards not just a destination but a way of living.

At one of my map checking stop points I exchanged hellos with a group of friends who were posting fliers about their friend who has been missing since last week. I sincerely hope their friend is found soon and in good health; their care and concern to step out of the normalcy of life to seek out a lost friend reminded me so much of the community I am blessed with, one that does not count it a cost to put life on hold to support and strengthen me, reorienting me to the right path. A path of life.

I'm thankful for hope even in this life. Hope that can shine in eyes and greetings and laughter, that strengthens hearts and character and breathes life. Hope that not only gives me a destination but a more excellent opposite way of living.