The Parable of the Weary Traveler

The Parable of the Weary Traveler

Publication: The Lookout

Date: February 3, 2002

Column: First Look

Category: Holy Spirit; Weariness; Rest; Faith

And it came to pass that a certain man set forth on a business trip. When it was time to return home, the luggage slung from his shoulder felt heavy as he walked through the airport. And lo, his heart was heavy as well, for the burdens of life weighed mightily upon him. He missed his wife and children, who awaited his arrival in a faraway city. Even the warm aroma of cinnamon rolls from the airport coffee shop did nothing to erase the weariness from his body, the loneliness from his mind, and the tension from his face.

Alas, the traveler's troubles were only beginning, for the line of people waiting at the security checkpoint loomed long before him, and his flight was delayed indefinitely due to fog. The way things are going today, he thought to himself, I will probably be the passenger selected for a random examination of my carry-on bags. And alas, it was so. And the weary, lonely, tense traveler hung his head.

While he waited for his flight to depart, behold, it came to pass that certain other travelers hastened past the place where he was sitting and stepped onto a moving sidewalk. With never-ceasing energy, the black conveyor belt moved them along, hastening their journey through the crowded terminal. Walking at their normal pace, pedestrians were able to move quickly and with less effort. Strangely, though, some refused to use the moving sidewalk, choosing instead to walk alongside.

Why would anyone refuse to use a moving sidewalk and plod along on his own strength? the weary traveler wondered. With time to kill as he waited for his plane, he continued to explore the analogy. And how pleasant it would be, he said to himself, if life itself had a "moving sidewalk"! Extra strength when I'm tired. A boost when my load feels heavy. A lift when my legs feel weak. Could that be why God sends us his Holy Spirit? he mused. And suddenly, strangely, the weary traveler felt a little less tired.

Soon it came to pass that he heard a curious sound. Another passenger waiting nearby suddenly began to talk aloud. The traveler turned, assuming the loud talker was addressing him; but lo, the speaker simply was using a cell phone with a headset attached. Although it appeared the speaker was talking into thin air, he was actually carrying on a conversation with a real person on the other end of the line.

How remarkable, thought the traveler, to talk to someone you can't even see. And behold, he remembered how when we pray, the unseen Lord of the universe hears every word we say. And suddenly, strangely, the lonely traveler felt a little less alone.

Noticing the smiles of others around him, the man observed an unusual sight, which made him smile as well. A young father hastened by, pulling a black suitcase behind him on wheels. On top of the suitcase rode a small blonde-haired boy, perhaps two years old, leaning back comfortably on the handle rods that extended from the top of the luggage. Onlookers pointed and waved, but the little boy looked quite unperturbed as his makeshift stroller sped by. Clearly, he believed there was nothing to fear as long as his dad was in control.

My heavenly Father is pulling me along, the tense traveler reminded himself. And gradually, strangely, some of his tension melted away.

The fog had lifted. It was time to depart. Striding onto the plane, the traveler stowed his baggage in the carry-on compartment, settled into his seat for the long flight home.

And lo, his sleep was sweet.