I was cruising down a rural highway when suddenly the RV in front of me came to a complete stop. I might have seen a sign about construction and signalmen ahead, but didn’t think much about it until we stopped.
This won’t take long. There’s not much traffic out today, I’m sure we’ll have our turn any minute now. Good music on the radio, so I’ll just sit here and sing along.
5 minutes ticked off the clock…
What is going on? I haven’t seen even one car come the other way. Did the signal man take a break? Just be patient. Still good sing-along music playing on the radio.
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10 minutes…
Still no signs of any cars coming the other direction. Did the signal man fall asleep? Maybe I should get out and see what’s going on? I can’t see anything from behind this RV! Why are we stuck here for SO long!? Just be patient. You’re on vacation. There’s no where you need to be right now. There’s no rush to get to your destination.
15 minutes…
But I really want to get there! It’s what I’ve been waiting on for weeks! Be patient. The journey may be as important as the destination.
20 minutes…
Finally the RV in front of me begins to move. I still can’t see anything in front of me, but I’m grateful it’s finally our turn. Then we came to a bend in the road and I could see what was in front of us. A truck was leading us through a lengthy construction zone where crews were laying new asphalt. A sign on the back of the truck said: “Pilot Car Follow Me”. He was there to lead us safely through this work zone.
Photo Credit: Hieropenen via Compfight cc
Sometimes “follow me” means “be patient and wait for the right time”.
How often do we get focused on the destination and forget to pay attention to the journey? We’re anxious to grow up, graduate from school, get that next job, get married, start a family, for our children to grow up, for the next step in our calling. But, maybe the journey’s just as important as the destination. Maybe it’s even more important?
The journey can be just as important as the destination.
Sometimes the journey can feel like an endless climb, but in that climb we are being prepared for what we’ll find at the top.
So, I slowed down and took notice of the scenery around me. I stopped for a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant. I decided to focus on what I’m learning in the journey and not be so focused on the destination. By slowing down and enjoying the journey, I arrived with a calm heart and ready to fully enjoy my destination.
Celebrating the end of this journey by dipping my toes in the cool waters of the Guadalupe River.
Enjoying the destination after a long journey today.
When Jesus said “Follow me” to Peter, he was setting Peter out on a journey. Peter didn’t immediately become the bold evangelist we see later in Acts. No, he had to wait. Had to wait for the Holy Spirit to come. Had to wait as he practiced preaching and healing. It was through the journey Peter developed into the man Jesus called him to be.
The journey develops us so we’re prepared for the destination.
Yes, the destination is important and we need to have goals and identify where we’re called, but then we need to allow God to set the timeline and take us through His journey. It’s the journey, after all, that prepares us for the destination.
Where are you today? Impatiently waiting to get to your next destination? Or, are you allowing God to take you through the journey? I’m often impatient, but this was my reminder to relax and live into the journey.
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Sabra Penley says
Such a great message, Kathryn! Enjoying the journey has become a theme in my life. And sometimes the journey is pretty treacherous. But even in those times of suffering, there are blessings–sweet, precious, life-giving blessings–that allow us to see God’s hand and smile. Thankful for God’s work through your encouraging words!
Doris S. Swift says
Just what I needed to read this morning Kathryn! Definitely a message we all need to remember. I love the beautiful pics you shared. Thank you for the encouragement today.
blestbutstrest says
Thank you for this beautiful reminder to take time to enjoy the journey–sometimes, that’s where we learn the most important lessons :).
Jennifer says
Aww you wrote this for me. It’s just perfect. Thanks Kathryn!!!
Love
Jennifer
Kathryn says
Trust me, it’s a lesson I needed to hear. I’m so anxious to reach the next step in my journey, but I needed this reminder to trust in God’s timing and use the journey to learn, grow and prepare. I did think of you after I wrote it, though 🙂 Appreciate the journey and just follow God’s pilot car wherever He takes you!
Natalie says
Ooh! I enjoyed your words today. I love how you think and what you shared and enjoyed wandering around on your blog today. It was an uplifting visit. Thanks.
Jeri Taira says
Hi Kathryn, I’m visiting via Coffee For Your Heart linkup. How awesome that your stop turned into a guided journey. What a wonderful read today. Thank you.
Susan @ My Place to Yours says
I saw “Guadalupe River” and immediately thought “TEXAS!” This Texas transplant to Tennessee has many great childhood memories of Guadalupe River trips with family. 🙂
I’m smack-dab in the middle of a season of slowing down and focusing on the present — and trusting God for the “unknowns” of the future. Your words are encouraging today. And, for the record, I do think the journey is probably more important even than the destination — until the *final* destination, that is!
Kathryn says
Susan – yes, the Texas Hill Country! One of my favorite places on earth 🙂
This lesson in the journey is a hard one for me. I’m a planner by nature and by profession, so it’s hard not to have all the steps outlined, end game defined and measuring progress toward those objectives along the way. But, being content in the journey is the message that I’m hearing loudest lately.
Kaylene Yoder says
Sometimes “follow me” means “be patient and wait for the right time”. This is one of the hardest things I’ve had to learn. But waiting on His time never disappoints. Blessings!
Wanda W. says
Kathryn, I tried leaving you a comment last week twice but for some reason got an error message. Thought I’d swing back by again. I’m one who often focus too much on arriving at the destination but appreciate the reminder that the all parts of the journey have value.
Kathryn says
Wanda – thanks so much for coming back! I was having technical issues this week, but think I have them fixed now. Too much tinkering!
I’ve been hearing lots of reminders lately to just let the journey unfold. Really hard for someone who likes to have a plan and know where I’m going!
Christine says
Thanks for this wonderful insight, Kathryn. Yes, so often I need to focus more on the journey, not just the destination. We do end up learning and observing so many more blessings when we do that. God bless!