Have you ever taken a trip and wished you could skip the travel and just “get there?” Or started a class and wanted to get it over with so you could get the grade? Or even taken up a new interest or hobby, and longed to forget the learning part and go directly to the “enjoyable” part?
Well, life is a journey! And on this journey there are activities to do, new thoughts to think, and knowledge to be learned. In short, life is all about growth.
So is the spiritual life. And in one’s journey with God, in addition to the activities, thoughts, and knowledge, there is also a relationship to grow between you and God. It’s that relationship that presents the biggest challenge.
If intimacy with God were simply an activity to do, you could add it to your “to-do” list, and work on it until it got done. Then you could check it off your list. Knowledge is also easy – just learn it! New ways of thinking is trickier, but can still be done with practice.
But a relationship can’t be checked off. A relationship is a vibrant, dynamic, living thing that ebbs and flows, and needs constant attention.
The relationship begins when you sense the need for something more in your life and turn to God to fulfill that need. It continues as you grow in listening to God, understanding more of Him, and experiencing His ways.
A journey with God requires a willingness to be in it for the long haul. One could bail out at any time, and many have, but those who bail out never know how the rest of the trip turns out, and they miss the sights along the way.
One of those “sights” along the way is the peace that comes through learning to trust God with everything. Ok, that sounds like a cliche. But I’m talking about real trust, the kind that looks at the bills and the inadequate bank account, talks to God about it, and comes away feeling calm and at peace – even though the money is not yet in hand. Or the surprising peace that comes even through the pain of the loss of a loved one.
Another along-the-way “sight” is God’s love. When it feels like everyone else has thrown rejection your way, God’s love is still there to pick you up off the ground, dust you off, and remind you of the prince/princess you really are to Him.
In between high moments like these is . . . the journey, the daily consistent relating, choosing the right action or thought, experiencing God in small ways.
Sometimes this journey feels long and slow. But while you may wish to hurry this journey up, God’s promise is that if you do not stop, He will complete the work He has begun in you (see Philippians 1:6).
So please share . . . What things have you learned along this journey?
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Nice article, and I can certainly relate to your analogy about enjoying the journey. We have a road here in Maui – the Road to Hana. It’s a trial for sure, with miles of narrow, twisting mountain roads and something like 30 one lane bridges. And tourists take that road like there’s a pot of gold at the end in Hana. We always urge people to take their time – it’s all about the journey and the beauty along the way. One can only hope more people listen to your story than tourists who listen to ours!
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Oh Marquita, I’ve been one of those tourists on the Road to Hana! Not only did I take it slowly, but I think I must’ve stopped at every single waterfall and at every single bridge. All of it was so beautiful; I was so in awe of every single mile! Took me forever to get to Hana, but I so much enjoyed that journey — well, except for being so tired after getting up about 3 a.m. to go to the top of Holeakala (sp) for a foggy sunrise
I’m so glad you mentioned that road. It is the perfect illustration of my blog!
Hello Sherry,
It can be said that people are always rushing through life on their way to going somewhere or getting something done;- it’s important to remember that the getting there and the doing it are also part of the journey
Hi Sadie,
You’re so right about the journey being part of the journey! I have to remind myself of that very often, as I’d love to have some things done and over with. But there are lots of things we learn along the way, and the journey is well worth it.
You did it again! A beautiful message, simple and eloquent. I love reading your down to earth take on things and how you make it easy to look upward.
Thanks for your kind words, Frank! I’m thrilled God is using these words to touch you and raise you to Him.
Hey Sherry,
I love your definition of a relationship never being fully complete but rather it is something that needs “constant attention.”
Whether it be with God, family, friends, or business associates building strong relationships is as you say a lifetime journey. A journey of knowledge, understanding, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Thanks for sharing part of your journey with us Sherry!
Kevin
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HI Kevin,
Thanks for your comment. What a great description of the journey of relationship — knowledge, understanding, forgiveness, and gratitude! I might add a willingness to be changed by and for the other person, especially in our relationship with God. Blessings to you!
Hi Sherry,
I appreciate this article as a reminder that success is a journey not a destination and where it is a relationship with God or any other task – the reminder to slow down and enjoy the process is a welcome one. For one thing, you never know who you’re going to meet or what experience you’re going to have a long the way.
To be patient is key and if it is about a relationship with God we must remember that he is everyone and has a plan for us.
VaNessa
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Hi VaNessa,
If we slowed down and enjoyed the process we would get much more out of it, wouldn’t we! Yes, you’re so right — God does have a plan for us, and the process is part of His plan. Patience is indeed a key. So is a trust in God that simply rests in Him, knowing inside that through the process, He will be with us, and that ultimately His process will take us where we ourselves want to be. It’s quite a journey, isn’t it!
Hi Sherry
A lot of times I am in a hast and forget to grasp details and enjoy the journey along the way.
Thanks for giving me a shake to remind me to slow down and take as much in as I can to enjoy being in a relationship, be it with GOD, a friend, colleague or my lifetime partner.
I realize that relationship needs constant attention and have to be worked at. Great post.
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Hi Irene,
You’re not alone! Being too busy seems to be a common problem. I’m very “to-do-list” oriented! But any relationship takes time and “constant attention.” I wish “being” could be put on the “to-do-list” and be seen as valid! Or even delete the list altogether… Enjoy your day! Take time to enjoy God’s gifts!
Great post, Pastor Sherry! It reminds me of something that I’ve heard many times from Jim Rohn that he got from his mentor Earl Schoaff about business and personal development. He was told, “Earning a million dollars is a good goal not because of the money but because of the kind of person you have to be and the way you have to grow in order to do it.” If you ignore the journey and just magically transport to the destination, you won’t learn how to handle it if the worst happens. This is why so many lottery winners end up more broke than before. If this it what happens when you skip the journey, I want no part of it.
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Another great illustration, Steve! I should consult you next time I write a blogpost and get your illustration for it
Yes, I understand that’s what happens when people get too much money too quickly. I suppose the same could be said about those who inherit money instead of having to work for it. God knows what we can and can’t handle, and how fast we can handle it. And the character is always more important than being wealthy, or having a lot of whatever it is we strive for.
Being in love with God is definitely the best feeling I ever felt in my whole life. I felt like I’m 100% safe and secured to be with Him and have Him in my life. It is really true that if we just allow God to take control in everything, it will all turn out fine. God is really good. Living here on earth is a journey and we need someone to direct our life into the right path, and only God can do that.
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Hi Tony, and welcome to my blog! Your comment is so on-track and absolutely true. “All things work together” for our good, even when we don’t see it ahead of time and even when our own emotions try to tell us otherwise. I’m so glad you’ve been able to have this assurance. It’s an awesome thing, isn’t it!