Will you take a moment and together let's look again at the text above from Jerimiah 16. 

To stand is a verb...interesting. Usually verbs are action words; which are what we do when we're uncertain or want to impress. We go into action, we do something. The sweat from doing makes us feel productive, makes us feel like we've really worked hard. But here God says to take all our verb-esk energy and stand still, don't move.

The crossroads is wonderful figurative language for a manner of life, habits which we are accustomed to performing. Here there seems to be an image of intersecting roads; one coming from and going in one direction and the other coming from and going in another direction. Both seem to be well established, at least enough to understand they both have a history and seem to lead somewhere, but they go in different directions.

In our verb-esk energy of standing we use our inquiring eyes to gaze up and down at each of the pathways. Looking for evidence on each path; what are the roots or the beginnings of this manner of life and where will it eventually take me? Compare it to the other road; investigate again its beginnings and eventual outcomes.

Then we ask, we enquire of others who are fellow travelers. In fact the word has bit more intensity to it than merely requesting some information. There is the imagery of the passion behind begging. Begging suggests a humble posture before another who has what is needed. It is not coming with an entitlement mentality or the air of individual ability but an attitude of the desperate need.

We beg for is the ancient path. Which path is the one that comes from antiquity and leads to eternity? Which road is the one taken by those I've read about, those who I believe ended up where my heart longs to go? 

Which is the good path? Not good in the sense that is most pleasing to my senses or necessarily strokes my ego or props up momentary happiness. It is the good path which is the most valuable and beneficial, like the pearl of great price. It is the path that will take me where my heart is learning to yearn. Which road leads to love? Which road leads to the Father's heart, the Father's Kingdom?

When you've taken the time to stand, to investigate and inquire, you will hear the answer you are longing for. When you hear it then take up your load and walk on this path. To walk in this text suggests carrying something, like a backpack.  So pick up the backpack of your life and walk, take your messed up, selfish, sinful, ego driven lives, the life that is honestly who you are, into the mist of the unrecognizable and unknown future where this good path will lead you.  

It will only be until you are around the bend, down the road, well into the mystery of the mist that all of a sudden you will find the walking to be different. Only further down this road will you sense a force begin to pull at you, a force that becomes stronger and more powerful than any momentary comfort can compel you. 

It will be something that causes your heart to almost leap out of your chest. It will be a power that eventually will overwhelm you with certainty and confidence. Once you get further down the ancient path, the good path, you will encounter the power of Divine Love, a love that envelops you, that accepts you and takes you just as you are. 

It will be like breathing oxygen your lungs have never tasted. Only from this oxygen of Love will you have the true strength of desire to cast off weight from the load of your life that you've carried. Not before.

Such a wonderfully brilliant image is this text from Jeremiah 6:16. It is the image we use in Rhythm of Grace to help us get a picture of the necessity of a good rhythm of life; the following of waymarkers from those who have gone before us. Waymarkers that lead us on our pilgrimage toward Christlikeness. 

At the beginning of each year we set aside a retreat weekend for our Annual Renewal Retreat. this is our opportunity to 'stand'. This is a weekend retreat to reevaluate our rhythm of life, to ask about the waymarkers and seek the ancient path that God is leading us down through our current circumstances and the unfolding complexities of who we are. 

It is a time to then make choices for the near future as to how we adjust our load, how we will listen for and discern the voice of Love in these days ahead.

You're invited to join us for our Annual Renewal Retreat coming the weekend of January 31^st -February 2^nd. This year's retreat will again be held at the Unruh Family Place in northern Linn County, Kansas. Space is limited. You may find out more of the particulars and how to sign up by clicking on the link.  Cost for this retreat is $150 and includes lodging and meals.