If life is a journey , where are we really going ? What is our destination and do we need faith? What is faith? Is faith necessary when you absolutely know what is going to happen ? Do you really know what is going to happen to you or anyone you love by the end of the day?
The truth is that we all live by faith and positive mind that everything goes well. We have all travelled our different journeys to different destinations , both short and long distances. Some journeys have been fun while others have been painful. Every one expects to arrive where they set their minds to go. Not all of us have reached our destinations. Others have died along the way due to unexpected sicknesses , accidents or something else. How we all wish to arrive where ever we plan to go , our destinations.
Some journeys will lead into a song. For example , a song called How far from home by Annie Smith. Listen to the lyrics and tell me what you think:
How far from home? I asked, as on
I bent my steps-the watchman spake:
“the long, dark night is almost gone,
The morning soon will break.
Then weep no more, but speed thy flight,
With Hope’s bright star guiding ray,
Till thou shalt reach the realms of light,
In everlasting days.”2
I asked the warrior on the field;
This was his soul-inspiring song:
“With courage, bold, the sword I’ll wield,
The battle is not long.
Then weep no more, but well endure
The conflict, till thy work is done;
For this we know, the prize is sure,
When victory is won.”3
I asked again; earth, sea, and sun
Seemed, with one voice, to make reply:
“Time’s wasting sands are nearly run,
Eternity is nigh.
Then weep no more-with warning tones,
Portentous signs are thickening round,
The whole creation, waiting, groans,
To hear the trumpet sound.”4
Not far from home! O blessed thought!
The traveler’s lonely heart to cheer;
Which oft a healing balm has brought,
And dried the mourner’s tear.
Then weep no more, since we shall meet
Where weary footsteps never roam-
Our trails past, our joys complete,
Safe in our Father’s home.
Annie Smith was a great composer and her lyrics reflect her journey. In 2007 ,I remember singing this song with my uncle together with my grand father as we celebrated our reunion. In 2021 , I lost my grand father to prostate cancer. In August 2025 , I lost again my uncle ,the same man who I also enjoyed singing with How far from home song. Our hearts long to go home to our earthly dwelling places but when we experience death , we feel empty and lost , realizing that we seem like we are just pilgrims ,travelers passing through this sad violent world.
Listen to these lyrics of We`ve no abiding city by Thomas Kelly.
1
We’ve no abiding city here; Sad truth, were this to be our home; But let this thought our spirits cheer, We seek a city yet to come, We seek a city yet to come.
2
We’ve no abiding city here, We seek a city out of sight; Zion its name — the Lord is there — It shines with everlasting light, It shines with everlasting light.
3
O sweet abode of peace and love, Where pilgrims, freed from toil, are blest! Had I the pinions of a dove, I’d fly to thee, and be at rest, I’d fly to thee, and be at rest.
4
But hush, my soul! nor dare repine; The time my God appoints is best; While here, to do His will be mine, And His to fix my time of rest, And His to fix my time of rest.