“I went
along to iron out the wrinkles in my soul”.
So said Omond Solandt on completing a canoe trip on the Churchill River
to Hudson Bay some years back.
Words about
wrinkles in the soul fit with what most people feel while moving along on the
journey of a lifetime. The question comes to us: Why have we survived the rough waters of the
turbulent currents of a lifetime? Could it be that it is taking time to iron
out the wrinkles in our souls.
Goodness
knows that it takes time to become aware of those wrinkles and imperfections
that make up our individual lives. There is the anguish of getting ironed by
the pressures and heat of the process between birth and death tests of mind and
body.
Recall those
moments when so much was at stake? "What
am I doing here?" Insecurity dominates all thoughts for sometimes. Then comes a
whisper from deep inside: “For this I was born”.
Omond and
canoeing companions survived rock filled rapids. Miles of paddling on huge
lakes with wind driven waves facing their canoes demanding persistent strong paddling.
Their wrinkled personal identities were being put to the test. The ironing involved pain and loyalty to
companions.
Evening
sunset campsites with glowing horizons,
campfires and simple meals, full voiced singing – souls were soothed and
dreams were painted in quiet rest.
My life is a
trip to iron the wrinkles out of my soul. You, too?
Try this mental image as a help on
the way. Take responsibility for the condition of your soul.
The story of
Omond and companions is told by Sigurd Olson in
“The Lonely Land”. 1961
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