The Breadcrumbs of Life

Good Morning All,

“Can you find your way home?” I jokingly asked Megan as she walked up the hill after worship to go to her home one block away. “I think so,” she laughed. “But if not,” I continued. “You can always look down and follow the bread crumbs back here and someone will help you.” As I looked at her face, I somehow knew she was simply accommodating the minister with a weird sense of humor. And when I stopped to think about it, I realized that she might never have heard the fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel, in which case she had every right to look at me quizzically.

With all the justifiable concerns we have these days about the safety and well being of our children some of the beloved stories of my childhood have been brushed aside by parents, especially when literally interpreted. Isn’t it funny, when stories or sayings that once brought us meaning and or pleasure, when literally interpreted, either make no sense or the meaning and message go beyond simple make-believe.(“If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride..” comes to mind! And I’m sure you can think of several of your own…)

But back to the breadcrumbs metaphor…what kind of breadcrumbs would help someone find their way to church? I suppose there’s a direct correlation between people’s needs and desires and the type of breadcrumbs that would attract them…If people are in deep sorrow or pain, then a breadcrumb of comfort would speak to them. If one is lonely or feeling isolated and forgotten, then a breadcrumb of community would begin to satisfy their need.

If some have spent their entire lives only peeking in the church windows instead of having the courage to enter, then a breadcrumb of welcome and acceptance would help them on their way. If one were facing a personal crisis in the midst of divorce or other broken relationships, then a breadcrumb of support might bring them into the circle of faith. If one has simply lost his or her way in life, a breadcrumb of direction and guidance would help…

The breadcrumbs of life are as vast as the stars in the night sky. And the Good News is that God doesn’t miss a one…the challenge for us lies in joining forces with God to cast the breadcrumbs along the way; sharing the love of God that we have experienced with those who have yet to know what it means to delight in God.

God is calling us to do some “crumby” work. In the midst of placing breadcrumbs along the different paths in our lives, as we encourage others to find their way home to God and the community of faith, called church; we are also called to gather the crumbs together; to receive the fractured parts of our lives and this world, mix well with compassion, love, acceptance and welcome, as God transforms us into the Bread of Life offered for all…

Blessings, Joanne