“May the winds be fair and the sun at your back” is a common phrase when wishing someone a prosperous journey. We do it in hopes of better days ahead for the young adventurer or seasoned traveler. It is a verbal blessing that we instill on those who enter our lives. Our humanity once dictated we leave those who impact us in a better state than when the interactions began.
Paul hailed Timothy to come to his aid one last time. Asking him not to forget Mark and to make haste before the winter would set in. Being abandoned by so many in a state of reflection and resolve, Paul only sought to remind and encourage his young Evangelist friend. He asked, much like Steven who stood in the midst of the crowd seeing the heaven’s open and the Good Shepherd standing, saying “do not levy this act against them Lord.” What power!
Instant forgiveness in the site of certain death. The death knell tolled for Steven in that moment and as Paul bore witness to the stoning, he too, now understood the impact of those words. Do not charge this sin to their accord. It was a way of leaving and opening. An act of hope. An act of intimate love that spilled the disciples blood, but hopefully would give new life to those impacted.
Certainly Stephen’s compassion played a part in the call of Saul to become Paul. His peril turned out a pearl. Paul fanned the same embers for the young believers who fled him in a day of tremendous obstacles. Even though the sword would soon be swung to strike the apostle down, Paul wanted to bless Timothy one more time and be blessed by his presence before he left this world for good.
In your journey, take charge of what impacts your life. Salt needs to be spread. Hope needs its embers kindled. In spite of the trials, bitterness, and strife that circle you leave an impression that can’t be denied. Wish them the fair winds. Wish the sun to be at their back. May it be a blessed peril for you. May His favor grant you the songs of heaven to be sung on your behalf. This is not an ending for you, but a new beginning!
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. Today’s story comes from the salty life. We can’t always avoid the pricks and perils that life has. Strife is often a tool used to benefit the believer in growth. As we’ve addressed in the past, the irritation produces pearls. Your peril will be your pearl! Hold fast and get ready to move! He is coming! Just don’t check out yet. You are still needed for a work. Readings for the journal entry: Acts 7 and II Timothy 1-4.
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