It’s been beautiful weather lately - evenings that are perfect for being outside. It’s been cool enough to call up a friend and ask her to join you for a short stroll to talk a little, discuss all that has been going on, and to maybe calm the spirit a little. You walk together and talk. You discuss a few things: family, the election, the gas shortages, city growth, even the stock market. Then your conversation turns to what is heaviest on both your hearts. These are things that are concerning you the most and making you wonder why things happen as they do.

 

Why is a small child trying to come to terms with something we wish she never had to understand in the first place? Why is it that even when a family knows their loved one is going to a better place, they still feel the pain of not being able to share more time with her? Why is a young man, in a split instant, caught in a battle to hold on to all that is ‘normal’ and challenged to remain whole?

 

The conversation is difficult. You both feel confused, angry, sad, even disillusioned and disbelieving. You are both troubled by your thoughts, and you amble along absently talking. Then, as it sometimes happens, someone comes along side you on the path as if to pass. You continue discussing your uncertainty about things, and he joins in your conversation. You explain how shaken your faith feels; how hard it is to stay strong; and how difficult it is to believe that everything will ever be okay again.

 

As you continue your walk, the stranger begins reminding you of the promises of Christ; of his Grace; of how his suffering led to our glory; and of all the many ways he blesses us each day. Home is up ahead, and you ask your friend if she needs a ride as it is getting very dark now. The stranger begins to go on down the path, but you’ve enjoyed his company; and so you ask if you can take him home as well.

 

Your travel takes you pass the Dairy Queen, and it’s decided you all want to spend a little more time together, so you stop and order a treat. When the food comes, the stranger does an odd thing for Dairy Queen. He bows his head and says a prayer. When he does, you and your friend feel goose bumps; kind of laugh; and you turn to look at each other. When you look back, you find that there is no one there. There is a pounding in your ears as you feel your heart beat fast. What just happened and what is going on? Who was the stranger, and where did he go?

 

When you get back in the car, you talk about how he had joined you; but you can’t really remember where it was or where he came from. He helped you so much to clear your thoughts and help you to focus on what is important to remember. You feel refreshed and alive! You don’t really understand what just happened, but you know that you are filled with something more than ice cream. You still don’t have the answers, but you know who does. You know that, whatever the future is, it is in God’s hands; and you can’t wait to tell everyone you know that you want to take a walk with them and tell them about this feeling.

 

The meaning of the word Emmaus is “warm springs.” Springs were frequently used for healing purposes. Two disciples walked a road called “Emmaus.” They were troubled as they walked, and were concerned about what they had seen and what they were feeling. A stranger joined them on their travels, and his words helped to heal their troubled souls. They felt so well and happy that they wanted the stranger to stay with them and continue the feeling. Then the time came when they realized it was Jesus who had walked with them, and talked with them, and sat at their table. Then he was gone, but the feelings remained; and they could not travel fast enough back to where their journey had started to share their news.

As Disciples of Christ, we to need to slow down; walk slowly; and think about our God. Only then can he catch up with us. If we listen when he speaks, we too will want to have him remain with us longer. He is waiting for us to invite him to stay; he always accepts. And when he reveals himself to us, we are the ones who need to acknowledge who he is: Jesus Christ, the son of God. Then we won’t be able to travel fast enough to go tell others.

 

If you would like to have an experience like this, ask about the “Walk to Emmaus.” You’ll have a chance to renew your relationship with Christ, experience God’s Grace in new ways, and grow in your spirituality. We invite you to feel what those two disciples felt, and we promise you won’t be able to travel fast enough to tell others about it!