The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step of faith. And we can be sure that if God asks us to go the first thousand miles, God will expect us to go the second.
So our lives are a pilgrimage—a walk of faith the goal of which is faith, and a journey of peace the end of which is peace. Many who share this pilgrimage talk about the path being dark and uphill these days. We see and share so much suffering, and the burden seems heavy to bear. We need sustenance for the journey. That is what I hope "Wayfare" will be. In my wrestlings to come up with a title for this new column, I searched for something that would reflect the nature of faith as a pilgrimage, as well as hold up my hope that what I write will nurture and encourage those who read it.
"Wayfare" seemed to do that, even before I searched out its roots. Consulting a dictionary gave me more enthusiasm for the title.
"Fare" means "food"; I hope to offer food for thought as well as for nurture. It comes from a Greek root meaning "a way through." It reflects what I think many of us are searching for—a faithful way through these dark days. Many of us feel like sojourners in a modern wilderness as we seek to live a life rooted in the kingdom of God.
"Fare" also means "to pass through an experience with good or bad fortune." I will reflect on experiences of many kinds—the difficult ones that bring growth, and the lighter ones that bring joy.
"Fare" can mean "to bear a load," and some months the column will reflect the burden of being faithful in these times. But it can also mean "to be entertained," and I hope that some months "Wayfare" will be light fare, bringing on a smile or a laugh.
The last meaning is "company ready to travel." We all need companionship for the journey, and I hope to tell the stories of others who are on the same road. The most important road signs are the signs of hope, and some of the clearest are the people who have endured the journey with courage and celebrated it with joy. Many have gone before us and made the path, and others are by our side, taking us by the hand when we waver or grow weary. Their stories will be an important part of "Wayfare."
Although it doesn't exist as a noun in modern English, "wayfare" can be found on page 2,891 of Webster's New International Dictionary Second Edition Unabridged. It is an archaic word, meaning "provision for a journey," especially a journey on foot.
I like the image of us all traveling on foot together, sharing our stories and prayers as provision for the journey. On foot we travel slowly and savor the experience.
There will be days when we plod, and days when we dance. As long as we can hold on to one another in the Spirit of Christ, we have all the provision we need for the pilgrimage.
"Wayfare," I hope, will be a reminder that we have much to savor and celebrate, much to ponder and praise. I hope each month will offer a morsel of encouragement to help keep you going on that long journey of faith.
Joyce Hollyday was an associate editor of Sojourners magazine when this article appeared.
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