Just a Bag

Arrival

It seems only yesterday that we embarked on our adventure, and yet, here we are walking barefoot in the sand toward our village destination.  What a journey it has been getting here, all the highs and all the lows… rogues and bandits, the Otterfolk, and a baby dragon, of all things.  So many experiences I never saw coming when it all began.  I am also astounded, at the commitment of all my faithful friends.  I feel that I can call you my friends after all we have experienced together, don’t you?

I can say that if I have to be a human burrito with someone, I would choose you, Bubbles.  Crocket, I can’t think of anyone I would rather have my eyebrow singed off by a dragon with.  James I shall forever think of you as my favorite sword wielding front runner, always clearing a path.  Christine, without your voice to enrich and encourage us, we might well have lost heart on more than one occasion.  I am certain that the little otter babe Milka, will never forget you singing for him that night at the village. 

Last night was such a wonderful time, sitting around the fire and sharing our favorite bits of the journey.  I will forever cherish the beautiful dragon figurine that you made for me, Carver.  It will carry the memories of all we accomplished together.  Cate my friend, none of us would have fared as well, had it not been for your gifted skills at healing. I can say that we all are eternally grateful that you stuck to the journey with us.

Though I am unable to speak for any of you, I know that my life will be forever changed because of you, and I hesitate to leave this moment. It feels a bit strange standing here, looking across the sand to the shore.  My stomach is filled with butterflies, unsure of what to expect when we arrive.

Look there at the waters edge…  I think I can see the one that was lost to me, and they’re waving for us to approach.  The sun makes it difficult to see the people clearly from here.  It looks as if there is quite a large group of others there, as well.  Come on, hurry!  Let’s go join them…

Beyond the story lies our truths…

As our party approached our lost companion, we were shocked to discover we saw our very own images reflecting off of the surface of the ocean.

All along it was us, and that which had been lost was a part of our soul that has now been recovered and restored to each of us.  That which had been running away in fear, had been our very own courage! Courage to believe in ourselves, or perhaps courage to step out in faith doing something that we know we should… it is not for me to say.  

We are now able to see the gift we had been delivering, though it will be unique to each soul who looks within their own bags. Consider your bag to be God’s Spirit! It is with you at all times, whether you carry it within your heart (belief), or choose to carry it on your side (searching). Either way the bag (God’s love and provision) will always be faithful to you, so my hope is that you will keep it with you, even though I travel on and you return to your lives. Now that we have been given our courage back, it is for each adventurer to determine the path before them.  I leave you here, in order to process, understand and choose your own path.   Remember that I am always near, assuming you keep your bag handy for contact.

Perhaps one day, some of you will tell me what your gift was and what you chose to do with it. As for me…

For now, I have been called away on matters of importance to my Commander.  This little brute has a journey of his own that must be undertaken, and it has been asked that I go along to assist.

 The Commanders parting message for me was this, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34

So, with that, I must leave you here and journey on toward that which I have been commissioned…

Fear not for we can be assured that our paths will cross again… but a small boy is in need of a Dragon, I think, so this storyteller has much work to do.  Keep your eyes open for my lantern out there on the paths you travel.  I will keep the light burning bright for you …