May the road be paved with stones. May the holes and cracks upon it break my resolve. May the rains wash away the path ahead. May the heat burn my skin. May the friends I’ve made turn back. May the winds be bitter cold.
For in the midst of such a storm, your face is never clearer. With hands out stretched you welcome me and call me to come nearer. “Bring it all,” you said, “to the cross and lay it at my feet. And there alone you will have my grace in exchange for all your burden.” So I have come this far to see your face and to sit here in your presence. I have lost nothing of great value, but I’ve gained a great reward. I walked upon the broken roads and found myself at home. I found myself beside you, God, and I found such joy as well. Now when I look to the peaceful hill, where you have rarely tread, I wish not to walk upon the high places, but to walk with you instead. For your face is in the valley’s, in the canyons, and in the pits. Your hands are touching the hurting and broken, and calling home the ones that you see fit. Yet they see your face like no one else can and they know what I have known. I know you, father, that you are close, and I know that you are good. I know you, Christ, you are my friend and you carry burdens I cannot. I know you, spirit, you are my comfort. You teach me peace and hope and joy in the midst of sickness and in the midst of rot.
I know you God and you know me. I am yours to have your way. To be your son, your friend, your confidant, is but a privilege I don’t deserve. Yet you have chosen, of your will, to use me just the same. You have called me son and friend and called me out by name. May I never lose sight of your face, for the storm is always raging. Yet, that is where I find you most, in the darkest most frightening places.