Read moreAll-powerful God, you always show mercy toward those who you love and you are never far away for those who seek you. Be with your servants on this pilgrimage and guide their way in accord with your will. Be a companion for them along their journey, a guide at crossroads, strength in their weariness, defense before dangers, shelter on the way, shade against the heat, light in the darkness, a comforter in their discouragements, and firmness in their intentions, in order that, through your guidance, they might arrive unscathed at the end of their journey and, enriched with graces and virtues, they might return safely home; through Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.”
– A Pilgrim’s Prayer
Archbishop Desmond Tutu died on December 26, 2021.
I can’t say we were close, but I am saddened by his death. I had the opportunity to meet him in 2000 at the ELCA National Youth Gathering as we talked about Dancing at the Crossroads. Archbishop Tutu talked a lot about the time of apartheid in South Africa that he experienced and he emphasized the togetherness of people. Regardless of where you come from, what your skin color is, who your parents are, where your money gets you into – we’re all in this thing we call life together. None of us can really do it alone, although we sure try sometimes.
I love this quote by Archbishop Tutu – do a little bit of good in the place that you are because when you put it together that overwhelms the world. I have a habit of thinking too big, too lofty, and grandiose sometimes. I want systems to change and sometimes I feel like I can’t make that happen. But we can together. If we impact the lives around us, we will impact the world.
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Your name.
It’s one of the first words that you come to know, or it’s the word you know the best.
Whether you like it or not, your name is the chief way you are known.
My name is Travis and it is of French origin meaning “traverser” or “to cross.” For me, it seems fitting because I seem to see both ways that you could go. At some point, we all stand at a crossroads and have to figure out what road to take. Perhaps I get to be the guy who meets you there. For me, that is a big gift.
What about your name?
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,” John 1:12
Our names can also be Child of God. I am Travis, Child of God. You are ____, Child of God. Child of God denotes a relationship that we have with God and that God has with us – a special, precious relationship that we cultivate daily.
Think about your name. Think about your name as a child of God. How does that feel? What does that mean to you?
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