A Quest For Home
Let’s think about this journey to home as more of a quest. I travel a good bit and have logged several hundred thousand miles on the road and in the air. My journeys have been adventurous at times and even challenging. Yet, there is a difference between a journey and a quest.
A quest is an intentional journey to obtain something and/or to reach a particular destination. It is specific and purpose-filled with a defined, perhaps even noble goal at the end.
Throughout history there are both real and mythical quests detailed in narratives from every culture and time. The heroes of these stories are often in search of something far greater than themselves. The stories surrounding Hercules, Beowolf, King Arthur, Ulysses, Hamlet, and even American folk heroes like Davy Crocket and Daniel Boone inspire us in our daily living.
The real gains from a quest are often not discovered at the end; rather, a transformation that takes place in the players along the way.
In the online Myth-Encyclopedia the author writes, “At the heart of many of the world’s most enduring myths and legends is a hero, a man or woman who triumphs over obstacles. In overcoming the challenges they represent the best of what it means to be human, demonstrating great strength, courage, wisdom, cleverness, or devotion. The hero’s quest may be seen as a symbol of the journey of self-discovery that anyone can make, the quest to overcome inner monsters and achieve self-understanding.”
Life is ultimately a quest to find home. In this earthly pilgrimage we seek something, a place where we belong and are connected. A location that is safe, secure, and nurturing. I believe home in this context is a sacred space where we connect on many levels with each other, with eternity, and even with ourselves.
Canterbury is such a sacred space in this world. I see it happen almost daily — through Canterbury, something is mediated to people who come here. They learn, discover, dream, grow, engage and interact often in a more profound manner that is experienced in their daily routines. That “something” that people experience is often a spiritual encounter that is beyond the tactile or physical world. We cannot rationalize or comprehend the experience any other way. From a biblical perspective we might consider this an imbedded quest for the divine. We hear this promise, “Seek and ye shall find.”
So take this longing for home, this quest for something high, holy, even sacred and make it part of your life long journey to home. It will enrich each step in your journey when you are determined to discover the depths of all life is and an existence that brings meaning. You’ll get there and you will be a better you for having embarked on the quest.
A Canterbury Tale
Pastor Paul Benjamin, Central Florida Dream Center:
“As I pulled off the busy road and turned into the driveway of the Canterbury Retreat and Conference Center I entered a rustic oasis in the midst of a busy city.
I was invited to serve on a discussion panel about the conversation of race in our country. From the warm welcome of Jon and his team, to the cafeteria and conference area cuddled in a beautiful backdrop of a magnificent lake view with the shadow of the cross of Jesus reflecting on the water; I quickly realized, this place has a divine purpose in the lives of people.
Reflecting on the conference and the reason why I was there, combined with the fellowship I enjoyed with my fellow brothers and sisters from all races, cultures and denominations brought me to this conclusion; the Canterbury is a place where God soothes your emotions so He can reach your heart.
Are you worn out, or just need to get away and recharge? I recommend you drive 10 to 30 minutes away, to a whole new world just in your back yard in Oviedo, Florida.”
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