How do you make the most of a journey?
How do you not focus on the destination and still get where you want to go?
I’m a planner. I’ve always had a goal. I’ve always known my next ten steps. After being in the AF for eight years, being results-oriented is even more ingrained in me. Suddenly, I’m a missionary and am being told it’s about the journey and not the destination; slow down and don’t be in such a hurry; be in the present and don’t think about the future; slow down and rest in the Lord; let go of my plans and embrace the detours.
It’s counterintuitive. It’s uncomfortable. It’s annoying. How do I get where I want to go without constantly planning and working toward it?
“For the LORD your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing.”‘ Deuteronomy 2:7
Let go? My plan may not be the right one? My chosen destination may not be the best? Naaaaaaaa…surely, that can’t be.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8
This is my year to rest in the Lord. What does that even mean? What does that look like? I can relax. I take vacations. Then I go back to work. How is resting work? How do you do that for 11 months? I enjoyed the slower pace in Honduras. It got old in Guatemala. Now, I’m over it.
I’m ready to get back to work. I want to do big work and see big results. At a minimum, I want to do all I can and I’m not. I obviously did not get the “rest in the Lord” skill set.
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
I’m excited for this year. I love studying the Bible with my team, worshipping with my squad, feeding malnourished babies, helping to provide a safe roof for orphaned boys. But it doesn’t seem like enough. I have so much more time that isn’t used. I can work harder and do more.
“May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4
I don’t want to waste this time. What’s the journey look like when you’re not looking at the destination?
“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5
