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Saturday, September 7, 2013

Journey Defined

jour·ney (jûrn)

n. pl. jour·neys
1.
a. The act of traveling from one place to another; a trip.
b. A distance to be traveled or the time required for a trip: a 2,000-mile journey to the Pacific; the three-day journey home.
2. A process or course likened to traveling; a passage: the journey of life.

Travis at 5 years old
When Travis was 5, he took his very first big hike of 5.5 miles. We were living in Maui at the time. There were times in the hike that Travis was tired, hungry, and even bored, but all that he experienced on his way to the top will never compare to the things that were not enjoyed. One thing that he took attention to was when all the sounds of the traffic below could no longer be heard. It was completely quiet; even so, he could still hear the Humpback whales in the ocean below expelling air from their blowholes. How is that even possible? 
 
In the definition of journey, I am reminded that it is in fact a "process". Many times when we begin a journey, a trip, we can't wait until we arrive. How much do we miss along the way because our focus is what is at the end? Often we complain of the time it takes to get there.

Although Travis was very tired at times, I wonder if he would have felt as proud of his accomplishment if it would've been possible to drive to the top. It would've been faster. He still would've seen the view. However, it was because of the process of his journey, he could appreciate the top even more.

Our family has been on a long journey now for several years to answer a call to Ireland. I must admit that I have been one of those at times to say, "why can't we just get there?" I also have found myself at times complaining of the time it has taken us to get there. When I think of all that Travis experienced on his hike, I would never want to take that away from him to get to the top faster somehow. It makes me wonder what our family would've missed along our journey if we would've landed in Ireland years ago. I am so thankful that God has our family in His hands, and He brings good things into our lives in just the right time.  The verse in Proverbs 4:11-12 that says, "I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble" has given me encouragement many times along our journey. When I rest in the journey He has given us, I am trusting Him.

100 Dots to go GREEN
Travis turns 10 years old next month
Part of our journey is to gather partners who will join our journey. Our partners are called "THE GREEN TEAM". We have 100 dots to fill before departing to Ireland. We are so grateful for those who have joined in this journey. If you would like to join the GREEN TEAM, click here, here, or here. How much more will we appreciate being in Ireland because of our journey!