The Journey
We all know the “Are we there yet?” question is associated with childhood. During our car rides and trips to various places, our sons have asked how long will it take, which is a valid question. However, when that question is persistent and then becomes the focus of the drive or trip, it distracts from certain things like the beautiful scenery along the way and the event or outing itself that we are usually excited about. As adults, do we do this with God and His plans and purposes for our lives? I know I’ve done it. So, this Word, honestly, is not to condemn anyone, but is to address something identified within me, and I hope it is helpful to you too. What if we approached life like we did our cruises or other vacations? What if we looked forward to the journey and not just the destination?
When I prepare to travel, the adventure starts for me from the moment we book the trip. I research options for just about everything from flights to cabin choices, activities and excursions, languages, food, and overall culture. Every single step is a part of the adventure even before we set foot at the airport or cruise port. When we do get to the airport, I enjoy it there too! I’ve loved flying ever since I was a child, so airports get me excited, and airplanes are comforting to me. I enjoy the feeling of being securely buckled into my seat while the aircraft speeds up and takes off, looking out the window as we ascend, and preparing to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. I enjoy listening to hear the wheels pop from the plane as it prepares to land, and looking out the window, watching the flaps go up as the airplane goes in for a landing. Once we’ve landed, I enjoy taking the next steps towards vacation. Whether that’s collecting bags at the carousel, heading to a hotel, heading to a cruise port to embark on a cruise, or whatever the case may be, I look forward to it, and often times, I hope that the experience can go slowly so that I can savor it, relax, and enjoy it all. What if I did that with life itself? Appreciate the little steps along the way, and even document them as they happen because they are each significant. What if I looked forward to the very next step in my journey of life? Even if it is doing loads of laundry. What if I welcomed the complicated research assignment for work that is assigned to me in the midst of me also sitting in and supervising my 5-year-old’s Kindergarten classes for the day? I won’t even lie… that one right there was difficult to appreciate in the moment. Lord knows though that I am thankful for a stable job, and of course, I am beyond thankful for my beautiful baby boy and I actually really love sitting in in his classes and being able to hear and be there alongside him. What if we approached the shutdown due to the pandemic with an open mind and open hearts? Thankful for the homes that we have in which we can stay safe. Praying for those who’ve been physically affected by the virus, and praying for their families, friends, and loved ones. Appreciating the slowing down, so that we can savor life, relax, and enjoy it all. Taking precautions to protect ourselves and others because we appreciate the sanctity of life. What if?
Next time we’re tempted to ask, “Is it over yet?” let’s pause for a moment and think about life through this lens. Hopefully, with this approach, we will focus on positive thoughts and enjoy the journey!
