Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Canyon of Desire

We wait in the gap of wanting what we do not have.  That canyon of unmet longing is both deep and wide.  From where we stand, we can glimpse the other side and with all of our hearts, we long to be there.  It beckons us with its promise and beauty.

But the canyon is a formidable obstacle.  We hate it. . . and at times pretend it isn't there.  We  hug the periphery and look beyond at the loveliness of the other side.  We imagine ourselves there. . . no more pain, no more longing.  But inevitably our eyes return to the canyon.  Our enemy, it seems, threatens to consume us.

To descend into the canyon, to embrace our unmet desires,  seems the worst pain of all.   Beauty is swallowed up by darkness.   We descend and desire rises.  The tension seems unbearable.  Will we ever emerge from this canyon?  Will we ever reach the other side?  Every step echoes futility.

But deep in the canyon of desire, there lies a river.  Unseen by those standing at the top of canyon walls, this river lies deep in the dark bottoms.  It is a river that brings unexpected refreshment to the weary traveler, the discouraged soul.  It quenches thirst, revives hearts and imparts hope.  In the deep dark, desire becomes a door and hope lies on the other side.  Drink deep and linger in this place.  The walls of the canyon are still high, but here at the bottom of unmet desire, the paradox of peace envelops you.

The journey resumes. . . but you are not alone.  Desire has led you to the One who holds all desire.  And now, He holds you, supports you, steadies you and leads you.  The path is unclear and demanding; but you are held.  You cling and are comforted.  This "God-of-the-other-side," this "God-of-happy-endings" is with you in the dark.  The dreaded canyon has become holy ground.  You find hope rising in the midst of pain.  Desire has brought you here and now Love holds you.  You climb with your destination unseen; but each step is sacred.  You believe the One who leads you can be trusted.  And somehow, the journey itself takes on a bit of the beauty of your destination.

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,  the holy place where the Most High dwells."  Psalm 46:4


1 comment:

  1. this so well said and explained. exactly what it feels like!

    ReplyDelete