Traveling is what we, the Rooney’s, do. I once blamed my husband for our ’24/7 Go Fast’ mentality and lifestyle, but I have come to realize it’s me too. I love new adventures and new understandings that being there gives. We recently had the pleasure of exploring the United Kingdom where we jumped on every tour we could find, and in most places we heard a reoccurring phrase, “We have new buildings older than your country!” Yes, indeed they do and the ancient connections to today’s generations caused me to consider my personal actions and reactions in a more thoughtful way.
My travels have always involved a great degree of human connection, but not face to face. Instead, my imagination takes me back in time as legend and fact weave stories of those long past. What choices would I have made if their reality had been mine. Would I have charged forward as a mover and shaker? Would I have been compliant in obvious wrongs that didn’t affect me personally? Would I have hidden and watched others suffer while thanking God I had escaped? What if I had been born with different skin, gender or economic opportunity……would my character be something I would be proud to have someone find generations later?
Throughout the United Kingdom there are enormous monuments to inspiring great men and women. Along side them are equal statues of horrible and brutal marauders who harmed the innocent to intimidate those who would dare disagree. Many of these ghosts of humanity’s darkness carried a sword and a cross! Some of the most heinous crimes to man were done in the name of God. This is not breaking news, it just breathed a little stronger down my neck as I walked through the Tower of London and rode through the Scottish highlands dotted with castles and battle fields. Beneath the grandeur and beauty there is sin in the heart of man that longs to dominate with no regard for the cost to another.
Refection always has a purpose and outcome. My journey into ancient history up close and personal brought about plenty. Faith and peace have been the goals of my adult life. God is faithful and that gives me peace, but this holiday back in time also brought me to the realization that 99% of my life’s choices have focused on my distrust of man, NOT my absolute trust in an Almighty, All Loving God! My life has been shaped by my fears, not my faiths.
Man’s historical relationship to man is the establishment of pecking order, with personal autonomy and convenience as the top priority. In one cathedral alone, kings and church leaders with opposing theologies that started wars are buried within a stone’s throw of one another. What drove man to such carnage? The words of our tour guides repeatedly told tales of espionage, deceit, suspicion and superstition, all things rooted in one man’s doubt of another and none grounded in the certainty of a Good, Good Father.
As I arise each morning I have one first objective, to know that satan is groaning because I’m up. But as I look into the mirror, I want to know that my confidence and hope rest solely in my Creator and Redeemer, my Savior, my Friend and the choices I make reflect His character and the things I know He can and will do.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139: 23-24.
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
II Corinthians 3:12
Love,
Gretchen