this journey

We are all on a journey. Like all journeys – no two are the same. Although my family and I are technically in a journey together, our paths diverge and mingle back together again. We each have a different view, although we may be on the same path. There are times when one lags behind and we need to wait for a bit for him/her to catch up. Then there are times when one of us races ahead and the rest of us are panting in an effort to find them or help if they strayed off course.

It is altogether a beautiful mess of a journey.

The most important part of the journey is not where you start, not the valleys you go through or the mountain tops you reach — it’s where you end — which is actually only the beginning.

When you know where the journey leads and understand that you are merely a sojourner in this land — the travels take on a new meaning. There is Light in the darkness and Hope in the valley. The darkness is still hard and the valley is still deep, but you don’t lose your way. He is the Way.

My journey has been filled with peaks, plateaus, valleys, and everything in between. There have been moments overflowing with the greatest joy one could ever hope to have and I have seen the deep, dark caverns of despair. I have stuck out my tongue to catch the beautiful snowflake and I have fought desperately against an ever-increasing tide, almost drowning in the sorrow. I have taken the road less traveled and then, at times, I have followed when I shouldn’t have.

the road not taken

I have succeeded and I have failed.

I have loved and I have lost.

My journey has been a blessed one. I love Jesus and He loves me. I have an incredible family and I have friends most could only hope to find. I have loved and been loved by “the least of these!” My heart’s desire is that others would see Jesus in me and choose to follow Him, not because of anything I do or say, but because they recognize and accept His mercy and grace. I pray that others will come to know — truly know Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross.

When my sojourning is over, my journey here complete — I will be resting safely in the arms of my Savior. I will finally be home.

I hope to meet you there.