A couple days ago, while waiting to fly from Guatemala City, I read a quote by Francis de Sales, a Catholic saint who died in 1622. In his works he thoughtfully described how we form ourselves spiritually as we live our faith.

In speaking of mundane or frustrating experiences, De Sales tells us, this is the path to heaven—speak this to yourself in the midst of your contradictions. I took his words to mean that we grow and develop and reach into eternity as we endure the challenging parts of life, and learn to see the Lord’s hand behind them. I need to ask, what might the Lord be building in my life through such experiences?

Then, the rest of my day involved delays, long lines at passport control, and rushing through the next airport only to be delayed further. Lots of hurry up and wait before finally hitting my pillow at 1:30 am.

Was I cursed by De Sales?

I doubt it. I just perfectly experienced the life he described. Not much has changed. Through snares and inconveniences we live, and this is the path to heaven.

Long before, Jesus described the path to heaven – I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). His way is narrow and climbing. The path brings stubbed toes and missed flights. But as De Sales and Jesus reminds us, it’s the only path worth following.

Photo by Markus Spiske