Thankful For The Journey

       I read recently about a lady who remembers being a little girl who was always in a hurry, especially when in her parent's car, going anywhere!  She explains that it didn’t matter if the journey was taking them six blocks down the street, to their nearby town, or on a trip across country.  Her eternal question was, “Are we there yet?”  

This isn’t an uncommon occurrence in the life of a child.  Time has little or no meaning, and the excitement revolves around the destination, not getting there!  Journeys can be long and lacking any excitement, challenging—even difficult on some levels, worrisome, and even painful.  

LIFE IS A JOURNEY

Our lives can be described as a journey, as well.  We have different ‘seasons’ to navigate and find ourselves in places we’d sometimes not want to be.  These circumstances can distract us from enjoying where we are, as we struggle just to get through.

TIME

Time is a commodity we all have and spending it wisely is important.  While we are facing our ‘current situation’, often we just want it to be over because it seems too much to bear. But, when we do this, aren’t we missing something?

WHAT ARE WE MISSING?

In our frustration aren’t we missing the day to day miracles?  Aren’t we missing opportunities to be thankful for those little details, that even for a moment make us smile.

God’s grace is woven in each of these moments, if we choose to see it.  The smell of coffee first thing in the morning is grand!  Am I thankful?  What about the first glimpse of light through the window, laughter with a child or a friend, a good book or peaceful walk?  

A BLANKET OF COLOR

Fall is such a beautiful season as leaves change and the tapestry it creates is stunning!  Even as the wind blows today, I see the leaves drifting through the air making a beautiful blanket of color on the ground.  Sometimes an opportunity of silence while catching a quiet sunrise or sunset, with hands wrapped around a warm cup of cider, is a moment of joy and gratitude!

I admit, I struggle with 'God's timing'. I'm often in a hurry! I want to know the answers to all my questions 'now'...... even as I say.... 'in your time, Lord!' It's so hard to be patient, but enjoying the journey should be part of the process. There is so much to see, learn and do along the way! 

AWARENESS OF GOD'S PRESENCE

Ordinary moments in any given day are cultivating awareness of God’s presence in our lives.  Each moment can bring us into worship, if we choose to see it.

Gratitude isn’t just for those grand moments in our lives, but for each moment we breathe!  We are told to be thankful in all circumstances.  God’s not asking us to be thankful for the problems, but to take joy in Him holding our hands, walking with us through the journey and allowing him to lead us on the right path.  

SLOW DOWN AND SEE GOD'S GIFTS

When we can slow down, notice the gifts around us, and then tell God we are thankful, even for the small things in life, can impact not only our personal attitude, but strengthen our relationship with Him.  With gratitude in the everyday, along the journey, our perspective can change everything!

Photo Credit: On A Journey

Photo Credit: Fall Colors