The Journey--

While in Washington state, I was driving from the dentist's office and saw a sign at an auto repair shop that went something like this: "It's not just the destination, the journey is important too." I contemplated turning around to get the exact words but I didn't so this is a paraphrase. I wrote these words on a piece of paper and have been mulling over the idea ever since.

As I drove down to Southern California, I knew it was very important for me to know my destination and to have a plan. Our journey in life can go in many different ways and take unplanned turns and curves as well, but the destination has to always be before us.

When my sister and I drove through Oregon on our trip to Washington in February, I didn't plan on having a flat tire but I did. It didn't halt our progress completely, just slowed it down a bit. The destination was ahead and we continued on. I saw a gorgeous mountain to the east of me on my way through California last week, pulled over to witness its beauty and thanked God for His creation and then moved on. 

Sometimes things happen along our journey and it is with God's help that we continue on to our destination. It helps to know that ultimately there is no place I would rather be at the end of my life here on earth than in heaven with my Lord Jesus Christ. He has made the way for me (for us) to get there and His Holy Spirit is here to help us along our way.

When I arrived here in California, Jen and I were talking about where I would eventually live and find a home. In the conversation, she said these words, "It's not only about the destination, it's about the journey!" I laughed, went to my room and brought out the piece of paper with those similar words written on it and showed it to her. I think the Lord is trying to tell me something!

Then Jen read the following verse to me. Ecclesiastes 3:11 "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

She pointed out that eternity has already begun for us and our destination is intertwined with our journey. Wise words, little one! Wise words!


Now my little update (April 17, 2012):  Later on in the fall of last year on a journey with my friend Terri, our car was hit by a flying piece of cement siding. It came right at us and shattered our windshield.  Sometimes life can have setbacks like the flat tire and other times we feel like we have been hit so hard that we may not recover. The truth of Psalm 23 rings out..."Even though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me." We are not alone on this journey that can have pitfalls and bumps along the way. We are comforted and guided by our Savior.  


Back in June 2011 we had no idea that my journey would bring me back to California where I would have a home, get a wonderful job and be planted here. I actually was thinking that I might end up somewhere else.  I thank the Lord that He has been with me on this unexpected journey and my confidence and my security is in Him.  I thank the Lord for my family and friends who have joined me and encouraged me on my journey.  


Tonight I was reading from the book "A Grace Disguised" written by Jerry Sittser who lost his mother, his wife and his young daughter in a car accident.  (Thank you Lola for this book). Professor Sittser said, "My confidence in God is somehow quieter but stronger.  I feel little pressure to impress God or prove myself to Him; yet I want to serve Him with all my heart and strength.  My life is full of bounty, even as I continue to feel the pain of loss. Grace is transforming me and it is wonderful.  I have slowly learned where God belongs and have allowed Him to assume that place--at the center of life rather than at the periphery."  


I liked what he had to say. I pray that grace is transforming me. Lord, as I journey through this life, I also want you at the center of my life. Thank you for my husband who wanted that same thing while we walked this life together and thank you for reminding that I am not alone. You are with me every step of the way.  Help me to keep my eyes on You.  

Choices

No matter where a person moves or lives, there is always one constant. It doesn't matter where you are, you are still there with your attitudes and heart!

As we moved around from place to place in the Air Force, we would find ourselves getting settled in a new home, meeting new friends, facing challenges for the children as they enrolled in their new schools or we chose to homeschool. We moved very often. Our youngest daughter moved 11 times by the age of 17.

I imagine we think we'll be happy when we leave a certain place, move to a new desired location, or when our circumstances have changed, but in reality we can be happy or unhappy in Hawaii, North Dakota, Arkansas, New York, California, Guam, Korea, etc... We can choose to set the tone for our home by our attitudes. Will we realize the joy of the Lord is our strength, or will we wallow in self-pity or unrealized wishes and wants? Believe me, there were (and are) times I failed miserably for which I thank God for His forgiveness.

So much of what our children and (now for me) grandchildren learn is not necessarily taught verbally but oftentimes caught when we are unaware. They are watching us, how do we act and react when we're cut off in traffic, the neighbor's trash is in our yard, our day is disrupted by a flat tire, we're in a new home with none of our belongings and trying to make it work, or a lost shoe. A lost shoe! Now there's a story!

I was not perfect, we were not perfect, but we tried to be honest with our children, told them when we were wrong, and taught them about our God who is!

The attitude of my heart is what was and is important. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" Psalm 139:23,24.

One more thought that recently spoke to my heart by Francis Chan (Crazy Love):

"There's that perplexing command: 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!' (Phil 4:4).....and it follows with a charge, 'Do not be anxious about anything' (v. 6). That came as a pretty staggering realization. But what I realized next was even more staggering. When I am consumed by my problems--stressed out about my life, my family and my job--I actually convey the belief that I think my circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice. In other words, that I have a 'right' to disobey God because of the magnitude of my responsibilities."

So...I'm learning (I haven't arrived at the end of this education), that no matter what, we can and have the privilege to "rejoice in the Lord." He provided all we really need when Jesus died on the cross for us and rose from the dead. My hope is that I will learn to "rejoice in the Lord" no matter what! I may have sorrow, but I have God's provision and presence with me every day and for that, I choose to rejoice! I also have an awesome family and amazing friends who are helping me on this journey as well. Thank you for your love and prayers!