The Road Back from Nowhere

 

My latest writing project is a book with the working title, “The Road Back from Nowhere.” None of us ever intend to get to Nowhere, but unfortunately, many have found themselves there before. And for some, it is often. You can find yourself in Nowhere and still be in the middle of your everyday routine.

 

It is similar to a sailing term known as the “doldrums”. Occasionally, a sail boat will hit a patch of water where the winds just stop blowing. Without wind in the sails, there is no way for the vessel to continue on the journey. It can last a short time, or in some cases, a very long time. Those onboard the boat have no recourse except to wait it out. Hopefully, they have enough supplies of food and fresh drinking water to make it.

 

As Christians, we have a clear directive from scripture, given to us by our Creator, as to how to escape the drifting in the doldrums, or how to navigate our way home from Nowhere. It’s called prayer. It’s the lifeline we have, 24/7, to reconnect to the very One who gives us life.

 

The parable Jesus shared that has become known as “The Prodigal Son,” even though Jesus never called it that, gives us some clear insight as to what we need to do if, or when, we find ourselves in Nowhere: return back home to Father!

 

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite groups from the ‘70s and ‘80s speaks to this very thing. TRUTH used to sing a song called, “All the Way Home”, written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Read the lyrics below and then listen to the song. I hope, like the prodigal, we find ourselves heading back toward home. Father is always waiting.

 

All the Way Home

 

My rebellion I called freedom took my birthright in its hand

And I woke up in the pigpen of a distant alien land.

But I saw myself this morning, dared to see what God can see,

And admit I’m lost and lonely, so tomorrow, tomorrow I will be

 

On the road back home to Father, I’ll not stop along the way; 

I was born for higher purpose. I’ll not waste another day.

Won’t be camping on the border just inside of what I’ve known;

It is all the way or nothing, all the way back home!

 

Never been a halfway person, all or nothing is for me;

When my footsteps lost direction. I was lost as lost could be.

But at last I’ve learned my lesson, learned from many a troubled day;

Now that I have started homeward, I’ll be goin’ all the way

 

On the road back home to Father, I’ll not stop along the way; 

I was born for higher purpose. I’ll not waste another day.

Won’t be camping on the border just inside of what I’ve known;

It is all the way or nothing, all the way back home!

 

Words by Bill and Gloria Gaither

© 1979 by William J. Gaither (ASCAP)