Chapter 1: The Nature of Wandering

Have you ever felt like you're aimlessly drifting in your pursuits?

In 2015, an ordinary Friday took an unexpected turn for me in a banquet hall, a place where I stumbled upon a profound realization. Surrounded by students engrossed in interpreting New Testament Greek, we were led by a professor in his 70s.

Our task involved translating the parable of a ‘lost’ sheep, which had strayed from its flock, leaving its shepherd in a state of distress. In Greek, this ‘lost’ sheep is referred to by the word ?????? “planao” (pla-na-o), which translates to “I wander.”

Interestingly, this term was also utilized by ancient Greeks to describe the wandering celestial bodies we now know as planets.

We have since come to understand that these planets are not lost. Instead, they move gracefully in the cosmos, maintained by unseen forces that create their elegant paths across the night sky. They wander, yes, but they do so with intention and direction.

This reminded me of Tolkien’s famous quote from The Lord of the Rings, referencing Aragorn: “Not all who wander are lost.” It encapsulates Aragorn's journey—though destined for the throne, he chose the path of a wanderer, navigating a route invisible to others, avoiding the allure of power that had led his ancestors astray.

He was not lost; rather, he was on a trajectory as powerful and undeniable as gravity itself.

Amidst the Greek teachings and celestial reflections, it struck me that our personal journeys, our ‘wanderings,’ may not signify being lost. Instead, they could represent the gravitational pull of our souls, guiding us toward our true purpose.

So, let’s celebrate the wanderers, the explorers on less-traveled roads.

You are not merely drifting.

You are forging a path unseen by others, driven by the gravitational force of your destiny.

It's perfectly okay to not have all the answers, to feel like you're wandering in search of your dreams.

Allow this thought to resonate: when Aragorn finally ascended as the King of Gondor, he was over 80 years old!

So, embrace your journey. Relish in its distinctiveness.

No one else is scaling your mountain; no one else is living your narrative.

That’s the essence of it—the affirmation of each step you take.

Remember: You are not lost, my friend.

You are traversing a path uniquely yours, a journey that values every twist and turn, leading you to your true calling.

Chapter 2: Finding Your True Path

In the video, "The Art of Wandering Without Purpose," we explore the beauty of life's detours and how they can lead us to uncover our true destiny. Embrace the unexpected twists in your journey!