The classic play of Waiting for Godot depicts gullible simpletons lingering near a lone tree along a lonely road, waiting for the famed Godot to improve their fortunes and transform their meaningless lives. Despite the intriguing urges of passers-by, the men never leave their watch. Godot, of course, does not come and they never leave the tree. I think this play is figurative of many lives today – buying the lie to wait aimlessly for someone else to come along and give you what you’re not willing to pursue on your own, even if you want it.

On the other hand, many of us are like the men on the road to Emmaus. These two men were pondering the events of Christ as they proceeded on their journey. They were so consumed with their thoughts that they failed to recognize Jesus when He joined them. And so it is with many who go by the name of Christian. We have a bit more purpose than those waiting for Godot, but we are still so distracted by our finite minds and the bombardment of current events that we don’t know Jesus well enough to recognize His presence in our lives. He has much to share with us, but we cannot grasp its value if we don’t connect with Him first.

Bringing this home – am I waiting for Godot or on the road to Emmaus? Or both? I frequently become consumed with trying to achieve an impossible equilibrium. I think that if I accomplish my to-do list, plan ahead, am always surrounded by my loved ones, etc. I will be content. This is me waiting for Godot. It will never come. On the other hand, I do have a relationship with Jesus and I know that my walk with Him is all that brings meaning. I just have my own methods for trying to master that close walk. Just as the two going to Emmaus were so consumed with their own feeble attempts to understand, I do the same. But I no longer want to walk and wonder in my own strength. I welcome Jesus to walk by my side – teaching, comforting, guiding and nourishing me. May the road to Emmaus be the road that brings me home, the place where I am safe, peaceful and very loved.