The Voyage of Life: Adulthood

Take the Voyage of Life!

The Rapids of Adulthood

Background:  Thomas Cole's Voyage of Life is overwhelming in its allegory of life on four giant canvasses. Of the four panels, however, the Manhood  (Adulthood) is truly the most impressive.  Whatever dreams were depicted in the Childhood panel are gone.  In fact, the traveler has emerged from a dark cave--the tranquil waters are now a free fall tumult.  The traveler no longer leans forward in the Childhood panel; now, he leans back and prays.  The tone is dark, gray water reflects no light. Has hope vanished in this picture?  

Reflection:  Where does hope life in this voyage?  Look ahead at the passage.  Light streams down as if the storm has passed. Although we cannot see the future, it brightens--if he can get there.  We often talk about the light at the end of the tunnel.  We hope it is not a train coming our way!  But for some, the light at the end of the tunnel symbolizes a second birth, the beginning of a new stage of life.  Do you agree that the journey of adulthood has something to do with accepting where you are and a hope for where you are headed?  There is a trust that the river will take you there.