I woke up this morning with a song running through my mind, over and over. I haven’t heard the song, to my recollection, in so many years. I am not sure I remember who wrote it. I can’t even remember if I know who sang it. That is part of the getting old and feeble minded process. I do, however, remember a few words.

It says, “I crossed the hot burning desert, wondering the right road to chose. Somewhere up ahead lies cool clear water and defeat is one word I won’t use. Too many sunsets lie behind the mountain, to many rivers my feet have gone through… I have too much to gain to lose.”

As the words rolled over and over again in my mind I realized the power of the song. Often, as we are walking through life, we will come to a desert. We might encounter a mountain or a valley. There might be a river that has to be crossed without a bridge or a ferry to insure safety. This is a fact of life.

I have often found myself standing in the middle of that desert. I am dry, thirsty and feeling hot, tired and disheveled. The heat of the journey has depleted me of energy and strength. Seemingly my will for survival has drained from my being in the sweat that has ran down my face.

I have felt disoriented and confused. Looking around me, I am able to see in the far distance with some clarity. Yet unable to distinguish where I should put my next step. Unknowing if the next spot I put my foot down would be a trap, a hole or quagmire.

I have looked to the right, and there was nothing but more deserts. I have looked ahead and all I could see was more of the same. I looked to the left and in the shimmering heat there dance a mirage. So cool and alluring, yet so dangerous.

It is then, when I have looked behind me, I have seen where I have come from. I have observed the mountains that I have climbed. I can see the road that fades into the distance, behind me. I see the road that I have traveled. I see the mountains, valleys and river that I have crossed. I am reminded of all that I have gained. I am reminded of the friend who has walked with me so many, many miles.

To my memory once again resurfaces victories and triumphs. I recall the sweetness of our fellowship. I call to mind the security of his hand as my feet would grow weary and I would stumble. He would reach out and steady me.

I begin to recollect those evenings when we would sit and talk. The time spent together just becoming friends. I think of the clarity of mind that I felt as he shared his vision with me. We talked of it to the point that it became my vision. I knew where we were going.

Now, I turn back and I face the future. The desert is still there, stretched out before me. The heat of the sun still beats upon my brow. I look to the right and all I see is desert. I look to the left, the mirage is still there. Yet somehow, as I take my first step, there is a confidence I haven’t experienced in a while.

I am not sure why I feel so confident. Nothing has changed. My circumstances remain as they were. Nevertheless, knowing what is behind me. As I recognize, again, who walks beside me. I feel a renewal in my strength. I realize clarity once again in my vision. I remember my destination and the purpose of my journey.

No, I can’t stop now! There is no possible way that I can turn to the side nor can I just sit and die. I have come too far. I have seen too much. That look back reminded me that just ahead is a time of refreshing. It maybe over that next rise, tucked in a little cove, lays cool clear water. It will be a time of refreshing and renewal which will enable me to continue my journey.