As a child I went hunting and fishing with my dad on my grandparents’ ranch in Texas. We would walk out the back gate and soon be surrounded by mesquite trees, live oaks, and brush. There were no trails, and after crossing a few fences everything looked the same.

At this point my dad would stop and ask me, “Which direction is the house?” The first time this happened, fear crept over me with the sudden realization that without him I was lost. I knew I had to answer his question, so I picked a direction and pointed. My dad looked at me, smiled gently, and shook his head no. He hugged me, pointed the right way, and we walked on. His presence was so comforting when I was disoriented.

Jesus offers so much more than direction or even a destination. Jesus offers relationship and companionship, not just to provide us a home or show us how to get there, but to be with us on the journey and embrace us as we arrive.

By Chad Senuta from D365