Marcel Proust, a French novelist and literary critic once remarked: "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes". 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 reminds us: “But when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”
A voyage of discovery in metaphorical terminology may be said to describe a journey of individual growth, learning, or self-awareness. It can sometimes aim to seek the pinnacle of life. It may include a re-evaluation of personal values, beliefs or the deeper inner self which can lead to new perspectives. It may encompass a process of learning where one hopes to expand personal knowledge and understanding. Music could be considered a pathway in life. It is appraised as a powerful tool to create or aid memories, manage disposition or control emotional variations. However, not all melodies are structured for every individual. If one constantly listens to the wrong tune, then an incorrect path may be followed.
While music is subjective and there's no universally "wrong" music, certain situations or contexts can make particular choices less effective or even harmful for an individual. Music is known to affect mood, behavior, and even perception, and choosing the right type of music can be a tool for self-regulation and well-being. Without the right music in life, a perspective may become clouded and one may not see clearly. Music is often considered helpful on journeys. It can relax, enhance and sometimes even focus on the overall experience that can make that exploit even more pleasant and enjoyable. But music is not the only useful aid when undertaking a voyage of discovery, we need additional and more important resources to help us, such as God.
Most religious individuals believe that God provides the necessary guidance, comfort, and meaning in times of uncertainty, especially on a voyage of discovery where one is venturing into the unknown. A belief in God can offer a moral framework and a sense of purpose, helping individuals navigate ethical dilemmas and make choices aligned with their values. Proverbs 3:1-23 reminds us: “My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you, bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, do not lose sight of these - keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.”
The fullness of life may can sometimes be difficult to find, but it's also a concept that can be found in many places. It's often described as a sense of purpose, joy, and satisfaction in one's life, and it's a journey that can be challenging, but also rewarding. Self-discovery and spiritual exploration can be particularly helpful. By understanding one’s own strengths and talents, embracing new experiences, and seeking a deeper connection within, it is possible to move towards a more meaningful and abundant life. God can play an important role in that journey both in the literal sense of exploring the physical world and in the more metaphorical sense of spiritual growth and understanding. Many religious traditions believe that God can open a person's eyes to new perspectives. This often involves a shift in understanding, a greater appreciation and thankfulness for God's work, and a deeper connection with faith. It's seen as a process of spiritual enlightenment, where one is able to see the world and their place in it with greater clarity and purpose. Melody Beattie, an American author once remarked: "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity."
Psalm 115, with its emphasis on trusting in God rather than idols and seeking blessings from Him, can be a source of comfort and encouragement during a voyage of discovery, offering a spiritual foundation for facing challenges and uncertainties. The psalm's message of divine protection and blessing can be particularly relevant for voyages involving exploration and venturing into the unknown. It reminds us: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
O Israel, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron; he will bless those who fear the Lord, both the small and the great. May the Lord give you increase, you and your children! May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth! The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man. The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!”
Faith or obedience plays an important role in life and often features in a voyage of discovery. Whether that journey be physical or metaphorical, it may often incorporate expectations. These can be explicit or implicit, and they can relate to the journey's goals, the anticipated outcomes, and the explorers' (or individuals') personal or organizational aspirations. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10 reminds us: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
Amen.
