From the desk of Grace Lange,
We always hear the quote “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.”
But why is that quote so hard to live by?
Kelsey and I recently took a trip to Scottsdale, AZ to spend some time working, finding new perspectives, and relaxing.
It was a great trip, but the trip also taught me a lot about myself and gave me some time to reflect on life as a whole.
THE HIKE
The first thing we did when we arrived was hike Camelback Mountain, which is a huge mountain over 2,000 feet tall.
We got off to a very great and quick start, but not too long after we started to become exhausted. We had to take many stops to catch our breath and refocus.
All I could think about was getting to the top. I didn’t care how we would get there, I just wanted to be done!
When we reached the top, we took a few photos then quickly began our journey back to the bottom. We soon realized that the hike down wasn’t going to be as easy as we expected.
Once we reached the bottom and headed back to the house to shower and prepare for the rest of our day, I stated to think about the climb we just experienced, and what it taught me.
We were so determined to get to the top that we forgot to pause and take in the beautiful scenery around us with each step….
Then when we reached the top, we didn’t really take time to celebrate what we had just accomplished, and we immediately started our journey down again.
Once we started back down the mountain, all we could think about was getting to the bottom and being done with the excruciating hike…
We completely forgot to enjoy the journey and celebrate what we did WHILE we were doing it…
So, I started to ponder… Why is it so hard to enjoy the journey and not think about the destination all the time?
I believe our world moves so fast that it simply doesn’t allow us to take a pause and be still and recognize the beautiful parts of life.
But… I am never one that goes along with what the world or society says is the way to do things, so I want to work on fixing this….
And I also want to help others learn to enjoy the journey while we are on it!
Here are a few tips that can come in handy:
1. Add buffer time in your calendar for you to not be so rushed going from meeting to meeting or event to event. Buffer time allows you to pause and slow your life down!
2. Stop and smell the dang roses or cacti in our case! What is really more important than what is right in front of you at any moment? Really?
3. Remember that you will never get this moment back, and this is the youngest you’ll ever be, so live it up while you can!!
The present is one of the most beautiful places to be, and if we don’t take the time to notice it, it will pass us by before we even know it!
WHAT DOES GOD HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS?
God only gives you the strength you need for this moment. Not for tomorrow, not for yesterday, and not for 5 minutes from now.
When we worry about the past, the future, or anything other than what we can control right now, we will feel anxious and uneasy.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34
Don’t worry about the things that haven’t happened yet. Live in the moment, and leave your worries for tomorrow.