Weekly Thought – December 2, 2014
Fred wrote a section of You and Your Network titled Joy in the Journey. He believed fully in experiences. The only exception was family trips when the children were young. He and Mary Alice would pile them into the car after marking the quickest distance between A and B… then off they would go! Fred’s desire to “make good time” seemed measured by a stop watch. While traveling from Cincinnati to Los Angeles, he waved his hand and announced to the family, “There is the Grand Canyon…” and kept on driving. He later understood the value of stopping and encouraged his children to travel with stops.
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Does Success Trump Saintliness? (Part 3)
Thoughtful planning and the marshalling of ego and responsibility energies on a day to day basis is critical. Throughout life we call upon them. It is important to learn the lesson of joy in the journey.
In my judgment, we spend far too much time concentrating on some distant and future destination than in considering the possible ways to get there. We become so convinced that happiness comes in achieving the distant goal that we fail to find the joys and enrichment that come along the way.
While driving on the West Coast, I decided to turn off the monotonous, concrete ribbon known as Interstate 5 and follow a scenic route. Leaving the sterility of the fast-paced super highway behind, I now found myself winding along country roads lined with eucalyptus trees and rich farmland. The acrimonious stench of exhaust fumes pouring out of speeding cars was replaced with the clean aroma of clear air and green fields. Slowly I began to relax and enjoy the ride. I felt physically and spiritually refreshed.
Both the destination and the route can be interesting and fulfilling. We spend a great deal more time on the road than we do at the destination. Consequently, the going should be as pleasant as the arriving. It is in the going that we are able to stockpile those spiritual resources which can be drawn on during the last portion of life’s journey. It is those resources which will keep us on a continued climb. And relishing the going keeps us from the empty, “Is this all there is?” feeling when we reach the goal.
One word of advice, though. The direction we travel is most important, not just the speed of our travel. I once made great time on a road which turned out to be going nowhere. I was so pleased with my progress I failed to admit my error until I had to turn around and retrace my steps, losing all my earlier gains. Getting our bearings is a constant discipline.
Think about: 1) How much do I pay attention to the journey? 2) Who is traveling with me and sharing these experiences? 3) What goal excites me right now?
Words of Wisdom: “We become so convinced that happiness comes in achieving the distant goal that we fail to find the joys and enrichment that come along the way.”
Wisdom from the Word: “With this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 NET Bible)