Chapter 9

“I have to go back.” 

He’s still sitting in the boat.  His hands gripping the sides as if he’s trying to hold himself in place.  

“You know, I have never stopped thinking about what happened.  I’ve known some of those people since I was a child, and we were supposed to be a team.  

But it wasn’t the captain who threw me overboard that day.”

At first, I’m not sure how to respond.  

Until I realize exactly what he needs.  I remember being in his position and know that he longs for someone to simply understand.  For someone to hold him close enough to let him go.

As I begin pushing his boat back into the current, I tell him what I know about the end of his story.  That the point isn’t the destination, but the journey itself.  And it will ultimately lead him back to the gift that is already within him.

And so,

The journey continues for us both.

Reflection Questions:

How important are companions for our faith journey?

What would it look like to hold your companions close enough to let them go?