Sheryl’s spiritual director, the late Rev. Dr. M.R. Ritley, an Episcopal priest and former Sufi Master always had a story to share. This is the first story she shared with Sheryl as they began their journey together. It is a fitting story for us all as we share our journeys along the way.

FOLLOWING THE WAY

This is the lesson on following the Way. Remember it.

How do you follow the Way?

Go where you are sent.

Wait till you are shown what to do.

Do it with the whole self.

Remain till you have done what you were sent to do.

Walk away with empty hands.

How much will it cost?

The cost is everything, for all you are and all you have will be asked of you before the journey runs it course.

How will you know your fellow travelers?

Their faces are marked by the scars of love.

No one will ever tell you that the Way is easy: only that it is possible.

No one can tell you if the journey is worthwhile, for your wages are, concealed in the hand of God, and will be shown you only on the last day of eternity.

But whoever chooses to follow the Way will have the joyous company of God’s beloved fools as fellow travelers, and a resting place, at journey’s end, in the Mecca of the heart.

This is the lesson on following the Way. Remember it.