The Long And Winding Road

For some reason the Beatles' hit, The Long and Winding Road, keeps going through my head this afternoon. The lyrics are as follows:

The long and winding road
That leads to your door
Will never disappear
I've seen that road before
It always leads me here
Lead me to your door.

The wild and windy night
That the rain washed away
Has left a pool of tears
Crying for the day.
Why leave me standing here?
Let me know the way.

Many times I've been alone
And many times I've cried,
Anyway you'll never know
The many ways I've tried.

And still they lead me back
To the long, winding road
You left me standing here
A long, long time ago
Don't leave me waiting here
Lead me to your door.

Paul McCartney

Some say this song is about love and memories, others the journey we make in life. Still others have pondered that it is talking about God, prayer, and the meaning of life.

For me, today, this song is about all of those things. We each travel a long and winding road while in mortal mode. At times the way seems easy; our progress is extremely pronounced. Other days it feels as though we're crawling through a mire and we wonder if we're going to survive the journey. There are some nights that are so dark, we have to place our hand inside the Savior's, trusting that He will see us through.

I experienced one of those nights recently. The way ahead was uncertain. I trembled, unsure of which direction was best. It was as though I was blindfolded and asked to walk a tightrope above a gaping canyon. Initially I was terrified, afflicted with thoughts of impending doom. Then a peaceful calm pierced my troubled heart, signaling that all would be well, but it was up to me to take that first, perilous step.

Step by step is how we continue on. Interestingly enough, another one of my favorite songs bears that name:

Well, there's a bridge and there's a river
That I still must cross
As I'm going on my journey
Oh, I might be lost
And there's a road I have to follow
A place I have to go
But no one told me just how to get there
But when I get there I'll know
'Cause I'm taking it...

Step by step
Bit by bit
Stone by stone
Brick by brick
Step by step
Day by day
Mile by mile
Go your own way

Well this old road is rough and ruin
So many dangers along the way
So many burdens might fall upon me
So many troubles I have to face
But I won't let my spirit fail me
But I won't let my spirit go
Until I get to my destination
I'm gonna take it slow
Because I'm taking it...

Step by step
Bit by bit
Stone by stone
Brick by brick
Step by step
Day by day
Mile by mile
Go your own way.

Annie Lennox\Whitney Houston

I'm learning that it doesn't matter how far we get in a given day as long as we continue forward. It's so important to be on the right path, making the journey step by step, even when the road ahead is filled with peril. Sometimes in facing our fears, we find a strength we didn't know we possessed. A gift from God, it is up to us to use it well, helping those who walk a similar way.

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