I read a book in the early 1980's called "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" authored by Eugene Petersen, who also authored "The Message" translation of the Bible. Since my first reading of the book (I have since read it multiple times), I have become a fan of Petersen's work.In A Long Obedience, Petersen looks at the Songs of the Ascents, Psalms 120 - 134. His basic premise (as identified by the title) is that life is about small, daily practices that order our steps and define our lives.
Lately I have been meditating on these Psalms and the concept of daily disciplines, and how they affect me. I realize that it's not the big events that cause my growth as a person, but the regular disciplines that I incorporate into my lifestyle that shape my character and transform my nature.
Too often we look for the route that's quick and easy, when the slow and tedious is the path that will take us to our desired destination. As my wife reminds me in her subtle way when we are traveling in the car: It's not the destination, but rather the journey to get there that makes the trip interesting.
Are you ready to stay on the path of a long obedience in the same direction?
5 comments:
I life what you wife said regarding traveling on a journey. I need to remember to keep that in mind. keep the blogs coming they are great!
Thanks for your encouragement. I also need to keep that in mind.
Forgive me, but it sounds as if your promoting The Law. Your thoughts?
Prodigal-
If I in any way gave the impression that I was promoting The Law, then I ask forgiveness. My only appeal was that the consistent, daily steps that we take in our lives are what eventually define us. I am a huge advocate (and fan) of Grace, but not as an excuse for "catching up" what I missed by taking a shortcut. Culturally, we are moved to finding the quickest, easiest path. I say that a long obedience is the best way.
Indeed, my brother.
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