Where Do I Go From Here?

A lost mountain hiker is stranded miles from civilization. He began his trek with total confidence, exhilarated by the beauty of the forest, his backpack full of food and camping gear. In the days to come supplies run low and somewhere along the way his compass goes missing.  At night, strange sounds and ominous stirrings in the undergrowth set his heart racing with fear. Time is running out. There’s no sign of rescue. One morning, exhausted, hungry and frightened, he stops to look around and pleads fervently, “Where do I go from here?” At that moment he sees a large clearing with a tall pole in its center displaying hundreds of directional arrows pointing every which way. As he draws near to read their messages he discovers that every single one reads, “This way.” His hope of finding a way out is crushed. Puzzled by this confusing spectacle he asks himself, “Is this some kind of cruel joke?” The incidents of this allegory represent a spiritual dilemma. The arrows symbolize the many re