The Far Side of the Forest
on pilgrimage and perfection and fear
They say there’s a place on the far side of the forest where creatures of legend roam free. The rain that falls there is gentle, kissing the deep roots of old, old trees that climb high toward the sun. They say there is always a slight breeze, enough to ruffle your hair and caress your face and call forth a smile from your weary lips.
That smile, they say, never fades thereafter. Some claim the winds that blow in that place follow you home, dancing about your feet, always tugging at your hair and your collar and your heart. It tickles, they say, like joy brushing up against your neck, bashful. How can you keep from smiling?
That’s what they say, at least. And they say it’s still there, that clearing deep, deep in the forest. Waiting. The creatures still roam—all fur and wings and magical horns—and the trees still reach for those few clouds high in the sky.
But no one makes the journey. Not anymore. It’s so far into the woods, after all, and the trees are high and full and the path is long and winding. And the rain here on the near side of the forest may be hard and unpredictable but the plants still grow.
Why bother? Who has the time? Leave the old creatures in peace.
But I have a different theory. Because they say something else, too. They say that deep, deep in the forest, in that clearing of peace and beauty and wonder is a vineyard: rows and rows of perfect vines, meticulously manicured, grapes nestled within, ready to be plucked.
And they say it’s still that way: perfect, meticulous, well-kept.
Who’s doing the keeping? That’s what I say. Maybe we’re all just a little afraid to meet the keeper of that perfect place, the master of the creatures of legend, the one who exhales that breath of joyful air.
Perhaps we’re better here and perfection is better there on the far side of the forest.
And another thing…
Small Wonders magazine published a new short story of mine, “Faith That Builds Worlds.” Give it a read!
In this week’s “Now Discern This” for Jesuits.org I wrote about Pope Francis’ call to care for creation in his new Laudate Deum. Check it out.
In this week’s episode of “AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast,” I talk with Fr. Michael Hansen, SJ, about Ignatian spirituality and Mary. Give it a listen.
And don’t forget to preorder My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars!