Engaging the Journey
- Christine Labrum
- Apr 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 30
An old post... from 2017
Jeremiah 17:7-8
ARTWORK
Our journey with God is a sacred adventure. This adventure is lived bodily in the external world and emotionally, spiritually, and mentally as we navigate our internal world, our soul. It is indeed one journey.
We are invited to live wholeheartedly in partnership with and responsiveness to God. How do we deeply engage our adventure with God rather than resist or withdraw from either the exernal or internal aspect of our journey?
This image blends elements from previous drawings such as trees, seasons, and the river of life. The tree represents a soul, and the paths surrounding the tree are a reflection of our life's experiences (You can see this image on my website, Seasons on the Journey) while the landscape and paths within the tree reference the inner life. The Sun, the Flame in the center of the tree, and the River represent the Triune God. The seeds and leaves speak of a fruitful, thriving life rooted in God. And the trees beneath the image are a reflection of the community. We do not exist alone.
What happens when we encounter a particular stretch of the path in our journey of life?
How do we navigate an experience, body and soul, noticing the emotions that inform us, setting our intention, and making choices?
What does it mean to move through emotions, passions, and perspectives with God, being obedient and remaining deeply rooted in Him?
Whether comforting and delightful or uneasy and painful, how do we listen to our hearts and attend to our inner lives as God intended?
What are the seeds of my life?
What are the losses and scars of my life?
What are the seasons of my life?
What does it look like to fully engage and to live steady, fruitful, and anchored lives?
The tree is gnarly and scarred, there are dark places and deep crevices. But the tree has a strong core for it is rooted in Christ, the Living Water. It is living in the Light. The branches may sway….it could even lose a limb or two (and it has in the past). But, this tree is alive and thriving; it is steadfast. May that be true of you and me.
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