Happy map to a richer reality...?

I watched a TEDTalk the other day that discusses the option of giving cell phone map apps alternative routes, therefore giving its users a richer and happier reality to their commute. Instead of taking the most efficient, direct route to your destination ... one that may take you on highways, tollways, and clogged arteries ... you may decide to take a more scenic route and arrive at your destination a minute later but far more at peace. Using social science research new maps are created to give you the most happy route, the most beautiful route, the most peaceful route, the most memorable route.

As I watched this talk by Daniele Quercia, I wondered ... what about the Lenten route? What about a route of struggling against sin and temptation. What about the route that takes us through suffering ... so that we may become like Jesus? What does that route look like? I doubt that many would choose that route ... and yet that is the route that truly leads to a richer and deeper reality. The route of suffering shows us the love of the Father. Paul Claudel said, "Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it. He came to fill it with his presence." 

May we choose to follow Jesus on whatever route he takes us ... let us pick up our cross and follow Him ... that we may be filled with His Presence. That is the most happy route, the most beautiful route, the most peaceful route, the most memorable route. It leads to life in Him! Amen?

TEDTalk: Happy Maps by Daniele Quercia

Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
Jeremiah 16.16