We paddle into the future,

one we do not know, 

along seashores and riversides,

safe shallows skirting the rapids 

 

but we cannot paddle mountains…

 

We climb into the future,

one we did not imagine, 

over munros and summits

taller than we have ever faced before, 

 

but we cannot climb rivers…

 

When our pathways of faith

feel strange 

because the landscape changes,

and we are still using canoes

when hiking boots are required,

may we leave the canoes,

and learn to wear the boots

that make the stiles passable

and a panorama of hope possible