At the end of the first month of January, 2019, is it too late to say “Happy New Year?” Well, maybe, but is it too late to reflect a bit on how it is going?

During the recent holidays, I was reminded of a classic tale written by Henry Van Dyke called The Other Wise Man. This expansion of the biblical story is about a fourth wise man  the one who misses his connection with the caravan due to an unexpected encounter with a person in need. Instead of bemoaning his fate or abandoning his call, this wise man spends the rest of his life searching for Jesus. He holds nothing back on his journey, giving away all his treasured jewels to those he meets along the way.

This simple tale is a wonderful “action parable” on the theme of our school year – “Faith and Hope.” Despite difficulties and challenges, unexpected twists and turns on the path, the fourth wise man persists on his mission. He allows others whom he encounters to move both his heart and his feet. While continuing his journey, he completely “spends” himself in ministry by giving away all that he has received. He holds nothing back.

As we all continue on the journey of a new year, I hope that each of us finds true meaning on our journey, as did the fourth wise man, wherever it may lead us during the months ahead. I pray that we each receive the deep peace that comes with following our respective calls and giving ourselves away for others whom we meet along the path. May we all rejoice in Christ’s presence in our lives as we continue the journey.

PS The story is delightful reading for young and old alike! It can be downloaded for free at http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10679